We are delighted to confirm the return of our annual seed share
event, after a two year break.
It's about so much more than sharing seeds, with many
exhibitors, delicious refreshments, and a badly needed chance to
catch up with those we have so missed.
Including:
- Local and heritage seeds;
- Bees and Pollinator Project;
- Devon Wildlife Trust;
- Holt Wood Herbs;
- Medicinal Forest Garden Trust;
- Crediton Garden Club;
- Crediton Pig Club;
- Orchards Live;
- Sustainable Crediton Woodland Management Group.
You are also welcome to bring plants for sale or swap; the more
the better!
Free entry, donations welcome
Why swap seeds? Some background
Seed sharing has become increasingly popular over recent years.
Apart from saving money it is a way of trying different or heritage
varieties that cannot be bought in shops because of UK law allows
the sale of specific varieties only: thus retailers all sell much
the same stock.
Suggesting they are protecting growers from the risk of buying
unsound or unpredictable seeds, governments produced National
Lists, which list the varieties that can be legally bought and
sold. This means that even if you have been growing a variety for
years, if it is not 'listed' it is illegal to buy or sell it (which
is why seed swaps, where unlisted varieties change hands, do not
charge for seeds, but ask for a donation to cover costs). Heritage
varieties are at risk from dying out because of this law, reducing
choice and biodiversity.
Everyone is welcome whether they have seeds to share or not. The
hope is that if you take seeds this year you will come back next
year, having saved a few seeds yourself. If you have saved seed,
please write the variety and year on a packet for example "Tomato
Moneymaker 2021" or just "Tomato Cherry Type 2021" if you do not
know the name. You can also bring seeds in commercial packets that
you have not used, providing they are less than 3 years old. Come
and find out how to save seeds - save yourself money, try new
varieties and help save heritage seeds.
Some scenes from our 2019 event:
