Seedy Saturday packs them into the atrium at The Exploration Place                           250News photo

Prince George, BC – If attendance at yesterday's Seedy Saturday event is any indication, there are a whole lot of gardeners anxious to get planting…

The annual gathering is a chance for master gardeners and green thumbs to share stories and pass on advice to those new to growing their own plants and veggies.  Hosted by the Community Gardens Prince George, city residents were able to chat with members of the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society, REAPS, the Prince George Beekeepers, Students for a Green University, and the Prince George Naturalists Club to name a few.  There were a number of free presentations, including a pruning 'primer', and discussion on why seed saving is important.

There were also several seed vendors and seed exchanges set up.  Three-year-old Ellie Young (at right) got a first-hand look at where marigold seeds come from…breaking open a bulb, with encouragement from Yvonna Breed of the Prince George Community Seed Collective.

The very first Seedy Saturday began in BC 24 years ago.  The goal behind the seed saving movement is to protect and save heritage seeds before they no longer exist.  With the rapid industrialization of agriculture, genetically modified seeds have become the norm. 

The event is now held in more than 100 cities across Canada, and beyond.