Local community food growing project Bitterne Park Growing Places has teamed up with Southampton Seed Swap to organise this year’s swap on Saturday, March 8 at Bitterne Station.
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The event is free to attend but donations are welcome to cover costs.
Organisers say a wide selection of seeds will be available as well as plants to buy from Yvonne’s Plants. Heritage and heirloom seed varieties will be available due to a 'loan' from the Heritage Seed Library, and gardening experts will be around to answer any questions.
Residents can bring their own packaged seeds and leave them for others to take, then select the seeds they want (seeds must be in date, and ideally clearly labelled with type, variety, characteristics and ideally growing instructions).
If you haven’t got seeds to share, you can make a small donation instead to take seeds home with you. Heritage seeds will also be available for a donation.
Hot drinks, snacks and soups and a supermarket surplus pantry will be provided by the Art House Community Pantry on a pay-as-you-feel basis.
“You don't have to be a seasoned gardener to come along, newbies or garden-curious folkx are welcome too!” say organisers.
Southampton Seed Swap has been running annually (apart from 2021) since 2006 and was inspired by Brighton Seed Sunday. At a swap, growers can choose seeds from dozens of varieties of garden vegetables, herbs and flowers in return for a donation or in exchange for saved or surplus seeds.
Bitterne Park Growing Places is a project set up by Transition Southampton to encourage people to grow and share food locally. The project helps connect people to share seeds, plants, growing advice and surplus food. You can find more information about Bitterne Park Growing Places via their web and Facebook page
The seed swap is also part of the Railway 200 celebrations, commemorating 200 years of the modern railway, and is partially funded by Transition Towns.
For up to date news about the swap, check https://www.facebook.com/southamptonseedswap on Facebook.
• Seed Swap is on Saturday 8 March 8 from 11am – 2pm at Bitterne Station, SO18 1GG