organisation:

Transition Black Isle

01 September 2018, Starts: 10:00, Ends: 13:00

'Seed Saving'         

There’s a lot of interest these days in saving seed from vegetables, herbs and flowers – with good reason! But getting seed that pollinates well and is true to type isn’t as straightforward as all that, so why not come along to this workshop. 

Using saved seed opens up a huge range of heritage varieties that aren’t in the standard seed catalogues – often varieties that have been maintained because they suit small-scale growers and local conditions. And by collecting seed from plants that thrive here, you can end up with higher yields, longer seasons, better flavour. It has to be said though, there are some pitfalls and surprises – for instance broad beans will pollinate other varieties growing nearby, so if your neighbour is growing a different variety from yours, you’ll end up with a cross between the two. French beans, on the other hand, don’t readily cross-pollinate, so you can safely save seed from different varieties growing next to each other.

Maria Scholten from the Gaia Foundation’s Seed Sovereignty programme will lead the workshop, and will have lots more tips for collecting and saving seed – and there will be an opportunity to get some hands-on practice.

Cost : by donation (suggest £5-£10)

Venue : Stoneybank, Culbokie, IV7 8JH

Tea/coffee provided

Come dressed for outdoor garden  (incl footwear) and current climate conditions !

Booking essential : email grownorth@transitionblackisle.org