Santa Fe Seed Library
Santa Fe Seed Library at the Southside Branch Library
In partnership with the Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners, each Spring, the Santa Fe Seed Library at the Southside Branch Library (6599 Jaguar Dr.), and many mini seed libraries throughout the area, is a resource for patrons to check out a variety of seeds to grow in their own yards. Because many of the Seed Library patrons will be new to gardening and especially to growing and saving seeds, the Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners have arranged to provide education support and free workshops on a number or relevant topics.
Photo credit: Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners
Seed Library Support and Workshops
In partnership with the Santa Fe Public Library, Seed Stewards will put on educational events virtually (or in-person when safe) for the public during peak planting and harvesting times. Topics include how to start and transplant seeds; soil building and raised beds; how to select, collect, and save seeds; seed exchanges; seed storing; drip irrigation techniques, botany and breeding. Workshop schedules will be posted on both the SFPL and SFEMG websites. Seed Stewards will work with SFPL to create posters, flyers, brochures, booklets and digital resources to provide how-to information and support to the public on seeds and seed stewardship. Materials will be available at the Seed Library and online.
What Are Locally-Adapted Seeds and Why are they Important?
Open-pollinated seeds versus hybridized or genetically-modified seeds that have evolved over numerous growing seasons or perhaps even thousands of years are inherently more bio-diverse, giving them the ability to thrive in a specific regional climate, geography, and hydrology. Furthermore, this biodiversity is like a built-in insurance policy that enables adaptability to climatic change, and will be hardy and resistant to environmental stresses that would fell plants from seed imported from other regions or countries.
Upcoming Events
GLOBAL SEED SUMMIT
NOVEMBER 17-20, 2020
Where do you get your seeds?
You already know how beneficial gardening is for your health and food supply. But most gardeners are still reliant on the seed supply from stores or catalogs.
Are you making this self-sufficiency mistake?
The problem is, a handful of corporations control the majority of our seeds, and 90% fewer varieties of seeds are planted today than just 2 generations ago. At the same time, seeds are disappearing from seed catalogs to be replaced by cookie cutter varieties bred for profit.
If you’re still buying seeds, you owe it to yourself and your future food security to familiarize yourself with seed saving and get in touch with your local seed libraries.
Of course, you don’t have to save or swap ALL your seeds. But knowing how to save them yourself and adapt them to your environment is a skill that’s becoming increasingly important.
We’ve teamed up with Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance to bring you the Global Seed Summit, a free, 4-day online event to kick off your seed journey (or re-inspire you if you’re already an avid seed lover!).
Click here to reserve your spot in the Global Seed Summit
When you sign up for the Global Seed Summit, you will:
- Learn tips and strategies for saving seeds so that you can grow delicious veggies suited to YOUR garden
- Connect with a global community of people that are committed to a healthier future
- Get inspired by seed revolutionaries and see how their efforts can be applied to your life and community
- Renew your confidence in your ability to cope with the world’s ever-changing challenges by maintaining control of your food supply and security
- Get opportunities to stock up on bulk seeds as you start or continue your journey
This is going to be the seed event of the year that you do not want to miss. I invite you to sign up and learn how you can use seeds to ensure a food secure future for yourself and your family.
Taking control of our local food supply is more important now than ever!
Click here to sign up and learn more about the Global Seed Summit