Seedy Saturday is almost here!
Seedy Saturday is E.A.T. South’s annual seed swap, and it’s this Saturday, February 29 from 10-12.
This is our third year hosting a seed swap, and we hope you will join us. We’ve put together a list of some of the most common questions about seed swaps along with a schedule of activities for the morning. If you have questions, email Farmer Caylor.
Here are some Seedy Saturday FAQs
Can I bring seeds I bought at the store? Yes! You can bring seeds you’ve collected and saved yourself or extra seeds you’ve purchased but aren’t going to use.
I found some dusty old seed packets in the back of a drawer. Can I bring them? The older the seeds are the less likely they are to sprout. For the seed swap, we’re suggesting seeds two years old or younger. If you’re curious about seed viability (how long you can store different seeds and still have them sprout), check out this chart.
Should I label my seeds? Yes! If they are not in a seed packet, make sure to write on the bag or envelope the name of the plant, the variety, and the year the seeds were collected. For example E.A.T. South will give away red okra so we’ll label it: okra, Alabama Red, 2019
If I don’t have any seeds can I still come? Yes! Every year so far, there have been enough seeds for everyone. E.A.T. South will provide basil, popcorn, okra, flowers, snap beans and heirloom tobacco. We’ll also have sweet potato and sunchoke roots.
How does a seed swap work? The seed swap happens in our greenhouse. We’ll have tables labeled with flowers, vegetables, heirloom plants, etc. Put the seeds you bring on the tables. Pick out the seeds you want. You can put them in a small plastic bag or envelope and label them with markers. We will have some envelopes, markers and bags, but you are welcome to bring your own. The small snack-sized zip lock bags are great for taking seeds home.
How much does it cost? The seed swap is free. You are always welcome to donate to E.A.T. South to support this and other programs!
What inspired you to do this? I’m pretty sure we learned about the idea of a Seedy Saturday (actually it was a Seedy Sunday, but we don’t do Seedy Sundays in Alabama) from a book we found in the downtown library, Seed Swap: The Gardener’s Guide to Saving and Swapping Seeds. (Our library has a great selection of garden books!) We think a seed swap is a great way to meet other gardeners and provide our neighbors with seeds to grow more gardens and more fresh, healthy food in Montgomery.
What else is going on? We’re so glad you asked!
Workshops in the Outdoor Classroom - Learn how to start seeds at home and make delicious seedy snacks!
10:15 Starting seeds at home with Master Gardener Marie Tomlin
11:00 ish Seedy Snacks with Carolyn Strickland from Food For Life
Kids’ Activities on the Caboose Porch
Ongoing - Paper pot making for plants & more
Meet Your Garden Neighbors - ongoing in front of the caboose - Meet representatives from area garden projects including:
Alabama State University Teaching Garden
Old Cloverdale Community Garden
Capital City Master Gardeners
Alabama Herb Society
Tuskegee University’s Center for Urban Agriculture Innovation
St. Peter AME Church Garden
Gardening Montgomery
Young People's Horse and Garden Club
The Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Neighborhood Services/Clean City Commission
Jasmine Hill Garden
We’re so excited to have our garden neighbors be a part of this year’s Seedy Saturday! The Montgomery area is full of gardens large and small, and at Seedy Saturday, you’ll have a chance to discover garden projects that are blooming in your own neighborhoods.
See you Saturday!
Learn how to start your own seeds at home. (Photo: seedlings in trays in a greenhouse)