Transition Chelmsford is looking to start up a seed saving/sharing circle. The long term aim is to have a vibrant annual seed swapping event open to the public, along the lines of that (Seedy Sunday) held each year in Brighton. That could take some time to achieve, however we can begin that process with a very small group of people (say half a dozen) each saving one variety of vegetable before building up to greater things.
As coordinator of the Transition Chelmsford Community allotment project, I have over the last couple of years begun to experiment with seed saving. Originally starting with the easier species such as tomatoes, peas and beans and moving up to chillis, brassicas, leeks and lettuce this year.
The following timeline is how we envisage the process of setting up the seed circle unfolding:-
Next few months - Reach out to interested parties and arrange an informal initiation meeting(s)
Early 2016 - Acquire and distribute seed for target varieties.
Summer/Autumn 2016 - Grow and save seed (into 2017 for biennial species).
Early 2017 - Meet to swap seed (and growing stories and tips!)
2017, 2018, 2019...... Repeat yearly with different varieties. Attract more members and if the interest is there, attempt to setup a public event for wider seed sharing.
If you would be interested in helping to setup or be part of a seed circle within Chelmsford, please let us know by contacting us at [email protected]
As coordinator of the Transition Chelmsford Community allotment project, I have over the last couple of years begun to experiment with seed saving. Originally starting with the easier species such as tomatoes, peas and beans and moving up to chillis, brassicas, leeks and lettuce this year.
The following timeline is how we envisage the process of setting up the seed circle unfolding:-
Next few months - Reach out to interested parties and arrange an informal initiation meeting(s)
Early 2016 - Acquire and distribute seed for target varieties.
Summer/Autumn 2016 - Grow and save seed (into 2017 for biennial species).
Early 2017 - Meet to swap seed (and growing stories and tips!)
2017, 2018, 2019...... Repeat yearly with different varieties. Attract more members and if the interest is there, attempt to setup a public event for wider seed sharing.
If you would be interested in helping to setup or be part of a seed circle within Chelmsford, please let us know by contacting us at [email protected]