heirloom seeds

Tag Archives: heirloom seeds

Seed Exchange Set For Saturday

Posted on March 10, 2019 | Comments Off

Every year between March and May, the Westport Farmers’ Market lies fallow.

It’s a time when farmers prep for the new season. But to do that, they need seeds.

And — with spring just (please, God) around the bend — so do Westporters with gardens of any size and type.

So on Saturday, March 16, the Westport Winter Farmers’ Market says goodbye to its indoor Gilbertie’s Herbs and Garden Center home with a free seed exchange.

Everyone is invited to bring seeds saved from their own garden — or take home a few saved by others. WFM farmers will donate seeds from their favorite crops too.

All seeds are welcome — except those from invasive species (click here for the list). However, the market encourages people to bring and take home heirloom or organic varieties.

“Heirloom seeds are critical to reclaiming our food system,” says Farmers’ Market executive director Lori Cochran-McDougall.

“These open-pollinated plants have been passed down from generation to generation without human intervention or manipulation. They taste better, are more nutritious, and help protect plant diversity.”

The seed exchange runs this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. — or until all seeds are shared. Gilbertie’s is located at 7 Sylvan Avenue South.

Adult beverages and music will be provided. Can you dig it?

Comments Off on Seed Exchange Set For Saturday

Posted in Environment, Local business, Organizations

Tagged heirloom seeds, Lori Cochran-Dougall, Westport Farmer's Market

Check Out This New Library “Seeding”

Posted on April 29, 2017 | 4 comments

Of course, you can check out books at the Westport Library.

And — though purists once shuddered at the thought — you can also borrow CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays.

In fact — just like Alice’s Restaurant — you can get almost anything you want at our library.

Including seeds.

Two years ago, the Westport Library began offering organic seeds. Folks loved it.

Seeds are stored in an old Westport Library card catalog, near the reference section.

Now, the Westport Farmers’ Market has donated over 75 packets of heirloom and open-pollinated seeds to the Westport Grows Seed Exchange and Library. (“Borrowers” are encouraged to donate back to the program.)

The heirloom seeds — saved for generations by local farmers and gardeners — add to a collection that already included organic seeds from noted growers like High Mowing and Baker’s Creek.

The donation comes after the Farmers’ Market launched its own seed-saving program in February. The response was overwhelming. With thousands of seeds left, it was an easy decision to give them to the library — the market’s neighbor, across the Imperial Avenue footbridge.

Gardeners, farmers, homesteaders, chefs — and everyone else — is invited to stop by the library.

Browse a catalog at the entrance to the reference section.

Then “check out” — literally — a stunning variety of open-pollinated, heirloom or organic species of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

(For more information click here, or email director@westportfarmersmarket.com)