A fabulous first season of distribution seed from the Fidalgo Seed Share Library at the Anacortes Library!

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The first rains of autumn are here and we can look back on our first season of distributing locally grown and donated seed in the seed library.  It was a huge success!  We distributed upwards of 1800 packets of local seed out into the community.

 

With autumn, comes a change in focus for the Seed Share team:

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• Continuing work on a Seed Garden on Guemes Island

  • we need gardeners to help ready the plot for next year's seed​

  • we need a couple of 'strong backs' to set up the water tank for irrigation

• Assistance with seed harvesting and saving to support next year's Seed Share

  • Visit the Anacortes Library to donate or collect jars for your saved seed, and 
    find other information about saving seed

  • We have a seed processing station, where there are screens and assistance

• Providing educational opportunities to further the mission of Fidalgo Seed Share

  • Collecting stories about local gardening, especially those related to the Seed
    Share.  Check out this blog post: https://www.transitionfidalgo.org/post/the-chard-that-keeps-on-giving

  • What is it/How many at the library to test your knowledge; answers in the white binder at the library, and here (coming soon!)

  • Signup for our emails for information on talks and other opportunities to learn more

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To volunteer to help with the seed garden, get more information about seed processing, signup for our emails, or ask other questions about gardening from seed, email us at fidalgoseedshare@transitionfidalgo.org.

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Why we do this?

As part of Transition Fidalgo, we are committed to doing our part to ensure a local, resilient food system.  Since much of our food can be grown in our own gardens and gardening starts with seeds, we save seed.  Saving seed ensures a supply as well as a diversity of plants adapted to local growing conditions and is a critical part of a resilient food system.

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How does it work?

At the beginning of the planting season, generally in late January,  the seed team will start putting out seed at the Anacortes Library.  Gardeners are welcome to “borrow” small quantities of seeds, grow them for food, flowers, and/or future seeds. If some of the seeds are saved, some can be returned to the library for the next grower. In that way, our seed library will keep the seed exchange going and growing.

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How do I get started?

In the early spring through late summer, come in and get some seeds whenever the Anacortes Library is open (find us between the “teen” stacks and the small conference rooms). Become part of a growing community of gardeners who cherish and care for seeds! As the season ends, save seed from your successful plantings.  Check our RESOURCES page for details on saving seed for many different plants.

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Need help?

Our RESOURCES page has links to many useful websites for both growing plants and saving seed of all types.  If you need further assistance, email us at fidalgoseedshare@transitionfidalgo.org.

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Fidalgo Seed Share is a project of Transition Fidalgo, and is partnering with the Anacortes Library to help grow a more resilient community

through the practice of saving and sharing seeds. Contact  fidalgoseedshare@transitionfidalgo.org for more information.

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