Lyme’s Seed Savers
Our Seed Swap:
TLG’s first seed swap was on National Seed Swap Day in January 2022. It was well supported with over 70 people coming to choose from a wide variety of vegetable and flower seeds. Lyme’s seed swap has become an annual gathering on the first Saturday of March. We’re supported by seed donations from local growers and a charity Cultivators for Change. Entry is free and all are welcome – we have tea and cakes and you don’t have to bring seeds to swap.
Our Seed Gatherings:
We have a small group of volunteers who meet in the three-month run up to our Seed Swap – in December, January and February. Seed donations are cleaned, packeted and labelled by our volunteer gatherers on Tuesday afternoons and we always include tea and homemade cake. You are welcome to join us.
What is Seed Swapping?
Seed swaps arose to maintain endangered heritage varieties that might otherwise have become unavailable. But there are many reasons to save and swap seeds. The aim is to distribute open-pollinated seeds to gardeners and to encourage growers to save seed from them and return with them to the seed swap in the following year.
We want to encourage gardeners of all ages to grow food and flowers, without cost being an issue.
Whether you have a pot outside your back door or a sprawling garden, anyone can get involved and enjoy the benefits.
Why Save Seeds?
— HERITAGE
Saving seed is a way to preserve cultural and historical traditions.
— BIODIVERSITY
Many commercial seeds are bred for specific characteristics such as size or shape and the reality is that the choice continues to narrow, as does the genetic pool from which the seeds are bred. Saving seed helps to preserve the genetic diversity of crops.
— ADAPTION TO LOCAL CONDITIONS
Seeds saved from plants that have grown well in our local climate and soil conditions may be better adapted to those conditions. Commercially produced seed may be grown overseas in a warmer, drier climate.
—CONNECTION TO NATURE
The process of saving seed can be enjoyable and fulfilling. It allows you to be more self-sufficient and connected to the plants you are growing.
— BETTER GERMINATION
Fresh, locally grown and well-kept seed will give you better germination and growth. Commercial seed may not always be from the most current harvest.
— SAVE MONEY
Saving your own seeds cuts down on costs.
