Seedy Saturday is coming

By Pat McGuire

Have you noticed any early snowdrops in bloom? I have, and since December. While cleaning out a small area of my garden last week, I found lots of green shoots belonging to daffodils and tulips that I had planted in the fall. If, like me, you are afflicted with a love of digging in the dirt, planting and growing for food or beauty, our mild weather is surely making you think of getting ready to garden. Don't get too hasty, as we know how unpredictable our climate has become, and it's now a gardener's game to be flexible and resilient with what Mother Nature throws at us.

One way to adjust to new conditions is to buy seeds at Seedy Saturday, Victoria's annual seed and garden show on February 21st, hosted by the James Bay Market Society, 10am - 4pm.

With their open-pollinated (non-GMO), organic, heritage and specialty seeds, small companies are working to both bring back heritage varieties, and keep more in circulation. These seed vendors can advise you what food or plant varieties are best suited to your particular growing conditions. That's the beauty of this event: you know where your seeds come from, and you support small local, regional and BC seed companies.

We've lost much of the seed diversity we had in the last 100 years. The number of small farms has radically decreased, replaced by industrial farming that relies on monoculture (the growing of one crop) with genetically treated seed that is resistant to pests and disease. Notably, the crops are corn and sugar beet, which 'feed' petroleum and feedlot industries. There is pressure on small farmers and seed companies to sell out, with the result that a handful of transnational companies control much of the world's seed supply - companies far removed from the soil, like Monsanto and Bayer which rose to prominence in the pharmaceutical industry. Makes one think there's a connection between processed foods and the myriad health issues we have these days. AND think about this: whoever controls the seed, controls the food supply.

So, events like Seedy Saturday offer an alternative to folks who come to understand the importance of keeping seeds in the public realm. At the community Seed Exchange gardeners can exchange or donate their own saved seeds - an activity that's grown exponentially as people realize the value and importance of saving seeds and sharing.

A well-received initiative was introduced last year: the Used Garden Book Exchange is a great opportunity to donate unwanted publications, or purchase at little cost.

Families are encouraged to bring the children, as there is an area with educational activities for the young ones, and this year a special Composting session is scheduled for 5-8 year olds only. Get them started!

In addition to seed vendors there are small nurseries with seedlings, native and fruiting plants, perennials and bulbs. Artisanal foods, garden products and services, and information displays about the environment, food security, and sustainability round out the exhibit showcase. Check the website or poster for the extensive Speaker schedule - and line up early to ensure a seat.

New this year is a film showing at 3pm - OPEN SESAME: the story of seeds. Learn more about the threats to this precious resource and the people who are actively working for seed security. (Cost is $2 for the film showing only.)

So mark your calendars for seeds, education, networking and inspiration! Seedy  Cafe and ATM onsite. $7 cash at  the door, under 16 free. Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas St. , 250.381.5323.