The North Okanagan & Shuswap Seed Savers’ Network
We are a “growing” group of Conscious Gardeners and Small Farmers who are interested in learning (and master) the art of seed saving.
Each person who participates grows one or more crop with the intention of letting some of these plants develop to full maturity in order to collect their seeds.
The emphasis is on calorie dense vegetables but any crop can be grown.
We do this because we seek Food Security for our Community & because it saves us money. Also the variety adapts to our climate & soil. Saving seeds is fascinating and very enjoyable. Plus, letting plants flower is food for the bees.
We choose Open-Pollinated (O.P.), Heirloom or Heritage varieties.
Open-pollination is when pollination occurs by insects, birds, wind or human. This produces seeds true to type IF they are only allowed to cross-pollinate with other plants of the same variety.
Hybrid (F1) are from the crossing of two different inbred lines. Seeds from hybrids can be saved but they will NOT be true to type and the next generation could be weaker, or the seeds could even be sterile. There are advantages to growing hybrids for large food production, such as disease resistance, uniformity and yield & vigor. This is why farmers use a lot of hybrid seeds. However, they need to buy seeds every year. So by saving O.P. seeds, we save money.
Seeds are Nature’s Living Economy.
Anyone interested in contributing and joining our effort, please contact Marie at
mcrs7644@gmail.com. New comers will be given basic instruction and are encourage to listen to: (*add link to radio interview with Penny), watch Seed Saving for Beginners Webinar (*add link in email)
and to check out these websites:
-The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security
Every winter, our group will get together (Time and Venue TBA) to exchange seeds and for discussion. The gathering (Seed Swap Social) will be open to our community so other people can take home free seeds. Afterwards, the left-over seeds will be donated to the Shuswap Seed Savers and the Enderby Seed Library.
Other recommended Resources:
“Seed to Seed” book by Suzanne Ashworth
“The Resilient Gardener” book by Carol Deppe
“Planting the Future” book by Rosemary Gladstar