Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute will host its annual Seedy Saturday event on Saturday, March 17, at Powell River Recreation Complex. The day provides an opportunity for attendees to connect with other gardening enthusiasts and local farmers, hear growing tips and swap and buy seeds.
Interest in the event increases every year, according to organizer Ellen de Casmaker.
“It appeals a lot to people who like to grow their own food,” said de Casmaker. “Some portion of them save seeds and that group grows every year. There are more people asking about how to save seeds.”
Seedy Saturday will also feature four workshops, a silent auction, book table and children’s play area. Workshop topics include presentations about mushrooms, microgreens, local wild and seasonal ingredients and organic gardening presented by master gardener and ecological landscape designer Tracey Loslo.
Loslo said she will be looking at what constitutes great soil and how gardeners can work in harmony with nature to achieve a beautiful garden space.
The importance of good dirt cannot be underestimated, according to Loslo. It is the foundation of a vibrant garden, she said.
“I love soil,” said Loslo. “Or more specifically, how really healthy soil energizes everything around it, even our air,” she said.
Although events such as Seedy Saturday have grown in popularity in recent years, they have a long history. Powell River farmers have been swapping seeds on an informal basis since 1915, according to volunteer coordinator Cindy Demeester.
In 2005, a decision was reached to expand the seed swap to include the greater community. Powell River’s first Seedy Saturday had 60 people in attendance; the event last year attracted more than 600.
As knowledge of food security and organic growing methods continue to build, events such as Seedy Saturday offer visitors inspiration and education, according to de Casmaker.
“The idea behind Seedy Saturday is to promote the idea of people in the area growing their own seeds toward self sufficiency,” she said.
Seedy Saturday runs from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Admission is $3. Proceeds will go toward covering the cost of renting space to host the event.
