Seed swapping

[Richard Loader]

Sue and I made it over to Southampton yesterday to to see the Seed Swap under way. Ziggy who runs that side of things was kind enough to explain the way she organises the operation, all very relaxed and flexible.

We took along some home saved Sarpo seed potatoes, some Runner bean seeds and also some Strawberry plants from new virus free stock. We came back with some Squash seeds and some interesting Tomato varieties that are new to us.

The Swap operates on the basis of a 'bank' of seeds that diminishes and replenishes as givers and takers get involved. It's great that in general the givers bring along more than they take so the bank doesn't get depleted.

I'm really pleased to say that Ziggy has kindly offered to let the VegEvent (Feb 20th) have the benefit of the Southampton seed bank so that we have plenty on offer....and I hope that when the bank of seeds eventually finds it's way back to Southampton via Winchester ( March 7th) it will be enriched with many additions from this side of the New Forest.

So, if you didn't get along to the Southampton swap you can come along to the VegEvent, take a look and see what's there for you to try. If you have nothing to swap, no problem, for a small donation you can take any seeds that take your fancy and the ££ goes to help fund the VegEvent and if all goes well a similar event in the Autumn.

Ohh, and on our way through the park to the car we found these little bundles of joy...........

[Richard]

Thanks for this Richard. It's great to see such positive networking going on. Ziggy's an old hand at seed swaps and I'm sure she was as pleased as you were to spread the idea. See you next Saturday.....