Following two successful seed collection events, our seed requests are now closed for 2023.
For this year’s seed collection we went back to our roots, organising two in-person events for growers in our network to come together, share knowledge and collect seed.
Meeting face-to-face opened up the opportunity to reconnect with our network and get to know some new faces too. Growers came from Sydenham Garden, Black Rootz, Wolves Lane, Garden of Earthly Delights, Alberta Fruit Commons, Growhampton, Grove Allotments, Countisbury Veg Community Allotment, Lettsom Estate, Graveney School, Barnes Common, and Sinnot Rd Allotments, as well as backyard, garden and balcony growers from across London. .
With the seed requests processed during the events, we can log the redistribution of seed across our network and get a better understanding of where specific varieties are being grown and by whom. This gives useful insights into which varieties are thriving in London growing conditions, and how shared seed travels between growers and growing spaces.
These events also saw the introduction of our new starter packs, made specifically for new seed savers that have recently joined our network. These packs were made up of a selection of some of our easy to grow varieties – usually one tomato, one lettuce or green, a bean or pea and a flower for companion planting. Varieties included Galina tomatoes, Concarde Lettuce, Blauhilde Beans, and Calendula. We hope that these will yield a good harvest, providing new growers with the opportunity to save seed and contribute back to the seed bank later this year.
With all our seed requests now processed, we’ll be packing up surplus seed into solidarity packs that we distribute to community gardens across London. These are offered unconditionally with no expectation of seed returning to the bank. We see this as the best way to get excess seed into use and support the demanding and challenging work of community gardens across London. If you know of any community gardens that would like to receive a solidarity pack, please get in touch by email: freedomseedbank@gmail.com
If you are an individual grower and missed the window for seed requests – catch us at seed events throughout the year. If you are an individual grower and missed the window for seed requests – catch us at seed events throughout the year. Follow us on twittter – instagram or mailing list signup for details.
