seed swap uk

1. How does a seed swap work?
2. How do you set up a seed swap?
3. What should I bring to a seed swap?
4. How do you share seeds?
5. What is National Seed Swap Day?
6. How do I start a seed library?
7. How do you save vegetable seeds?
8. How do I find my seed library?
9. Why are farmers not allowed to save seeds?
10. Is seed saving illegal?
11. Can I use last year's vegetable seeds?

How does a seed swap work?

What is a Seed Swap? A gathering of people, usually gardeners and farmers, who have come together to share seeds. The seeds can include locally saved seeds, excess bought seeds, seeds brought back from another region or country, or excess seeds that a seed company donated — you decide what you want to swap.

How do you set up a seed swap?

Tips on organising the seed exchange

1. Have gardening advice to hand. It's useful to have someone there who knows a bit about growing. ...
2. Label your seeds. ...
3. Don't forget the refreshments. ...
4. Create publicity. ...
5. Donate leftover seeds.

What should I bring to a seed swap?

To save seed from your garden, use coin envelopes, commercial seed saving envelopes, or craft your own packets. Provide plenty of envelopes, small zipper bags or paper packets for people to carry seed. Many heirloom seed companies sell paper packets for storing seeds.

How do you share seeds?

Eleven Ways to Share Seeds

1. Swap seeds by mail. Mail swaps take a little more work than local swaps, but it is fun to connect with gardeners across the country. ...
2. Hand out seeds this Halloween. Give kids (or adults!) a few easy-to-grow seeds and simple growing instructions. ...
3. Plan an in-person seed swap.

What is National Seed Swap Day?

National Seed Swap Day on the last Saturday in January serves as a reminder to gardeners that spring is on its way. It is also an ideal time for gardeners to gather and swap seeds in preparation for starting seeds indoors.

How do I start a seed library?

How to Start a Seed Library

1. Present your idea to a local group, such as a garden club or master gardeners. ...
2. Arrange for a convenient space, such as a community building. ...
3. Gather your materials. ...
4. You'll also need a desktop computer with a seed database (or another system for keeping track).

How do you save vegetable seeds?

Store seeds in tightly sealed glass containers. You can store different kinds of seeds, each in individual paper packets, together in a large container. Keep seeds dry and cool. A temperature between 32° and 41°F is ideal, so your refrigerator can be a good place to store seeds.

How do I find my seed library?

To find a seed library near you, check this directory on Weebly, or give your local library a call to see if they have a program. If you aren't able to locate a seed library near you, consider starting one. This would be an awesome project for a Girl Scout or Eagle Scout.

Why are farmers not allowed to save seeds?

Patents are necessary to ensure that Monsanto is paid for its products and all the investments it puts into developing products. This is one of the basic reasons for patents. ... When farmers purchase a patented seed variety, they sign an agreement that they will not save and replant seeds produced from the seed they buy.

Is seed saving illegal?

Legality. While saving seed and even exchanging seed with other farmers for biodiversity purposes has been a traditional practice, these practices have become illegal for the plant varieties that are patented or otherwise owned by some entity (often a corporation).

Can I use last year's vegetable seeds?

If your seeds were kept in a cool, dry place, there's a good chance they're still viable, but expect a lower germination rate — exactly how low depends on the species. Seed corn is best used the current year (after that germination is greatly reduced), but tomato seeds can last for more than four years if stored well.