The catch phrase “Seedy Saturday” refers to a public grassroots seed swap that allows gardeners of all levels of interest and degrees of experience to trade heritage seeds. In other words, it’s an opportunity to get genetically unmodified seeds by the fistful.
For it’s fifth year now, the Sooke Region Food CHI will be hosting Sooke’s Seedy Saturday. It will be held at the Sooke Community Hall on February 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The family-friendly day will feature a seed exchange and trading table, a diverse range of seed and plant vendors, local wild harvesters and food artisans, information from local non-profits working to enhance food security and tons of educational displays featuring information on everything from composting to bees to the history of farming in our region.
“Seedy Saturdays are very popular with new and experienced gardeners, alike.” said Jessica Boquist, Food CHI member. “Coming to the Sooke event ensures that locals are buying seeds or starters from plants that have proven successful in our climate. This is probably the most gardeners you will find, under one roof, all year. The networking is amazing with a wide variety of skills and experience among our participants.”
Local farmer, Mary Alice Johnson said, “It is wonderful that we have so many Seedy Saturdays in our region, and Sooke is an excellent addition. These events started in Victoria and have spread across the country. Seedy Saturdays have allowed many small seed companies to grow, and more are starting each year. They offer wonderful varieties – varieties from immigrant grandparents or world travels, or varieties from neighbours who have a great tomato or broad bean that they have been growing out for decades.”
The Sooke Fall Fair folks will be hosting a healthy lunch downstairs as well as their monthly market which includes a bake table, crafts, plants, canning and much more. This year is the International year of Family Farms and the Sooke Fall Fair theme is “Celebrating the Family Farm.”
Sooke Fall Fair is happy to be a part of Seedy Saturday to promote and support family farms in the region.
Admission is by donation ($5 suggested), and door prizes and raffles add to the fun of this event.
Whether you have been planting for 50 years or this is your first season, whether you have a farm or small pots in your window sill; whether you want to grow a butterfly garden or grow food for your family or for sale, start your season with a visit to Sooke’s Seedy Saturday.
Registration is still open to vendors, and additional volunteers are still needed.
Please visit www.sookefoodchi.ca or contact email Mary Alice Johnson at seedysaturday@gmail.com or 250-642-3671 for more information.