By Ziggy Woodward.
Southampton Seed Swap first started in 2008, when I was inspired to try something similar based on the amazing Seedy Sunday in Brighton, and has been running as an annual event, in one form or another, since then (barring 2021, due to lockdowns).
This year’s event takes place on Saturday, March 9th, from 11am to 3pm.
This year will be the last time that the event is held at its current location of 178 Above Bar St, Southampton (aka The Art House Performance Venue & Social Centre)… but don’t fret, the event will pop up at another location (tbc!) in 2025!
We are also pleased to announce that we will be joined again this year by the lovely Yvonne of Yvonne’s Plants (yvonnes-plants.co.uk)
The swap gives growers can choose seeds from dozens of traditional varieties of garden vegetables in return for a donation or in exchange for seed they have saved.
It’s also a great place to meet likeminded people, from newbie gardeners to people who have been giving away free courgettes by the tonne for years!
The seed swap is organised by our amazing crew at The Art House (Bunker 178) Performance Venue & Social Centre. Crew members include John Curtis, Paul Bickmore (Bik), Jez Franck, Nicola Beck, Graham Caisley and Gill Colling! Many thanks for your help, patience and persistence through the years!
How it works:
You can either bring your saved or surplus veg, fruit, herb seeds* or seeds are available for 30p per packet, or 4 for £1. There are Heritage seeds available from the Heritage Seed Library at a suggested donation of £1 per packet.**
There is a collection bucket either at the door or on the cafe counter, this is for a suggested donation of £3 to help the Community Pantry on site to keep going.
*Please put seeds in labelled envelopes – including information on the type, variety (where possible), date saved & who you are, so we can thank you personally 🙂
Please don’t donate seeds that are out of date, or have been stored in damp, warm conditions 🙂
**Donations for Heritage Seed packets will go towards the amazing work of The Heritage Seed Library.
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