A local permaculture group put on a seed exchange today.  There were some real positives about the swap and I want to encourage you to look for local opportunities to get seeds.

When you buy seeds online or from a big box store, all you get are seeds.  There’s added value when you buy from someone who has grown the seeds or starts.

First off, the stuff is local, so it’s probable you can grow it.

Secondly, you can get answers from someone that has some knowledge about what you’re trying to grow.  It’s also a great way to network and find out what other people have to offer.

Another factor is price.  I paid $1 per envelope for the seeds at the swap.  Later on, I went to a store and bought a few more seeds.  I paid about $2 an envelope.  That’s quite a savings when you add up all the seeds you want to buy.

I really enjoyed talking with the people at the swap.  They’re passionate about what they grow.  They’ve gathered a lot of knowledge and are happy to share it.

Here’s a list of a few things I picked up:

Mammoth Clover:  I bought this to develop some nutrient poor land.  The clover should add nitrogen to the soil, provide cover to hold moisture and begin the process of building humus.  Be careful with this stuff–I believe that it can cause sheep to miscarry if they eat too much.  It’s probably fine mixed with other plants.

Jerusalem Artichoke:  There are some interesting things about this plant.  I’m planning on growing it for feed.

Mullein:  This is a flowering plant that grows wild.  It’s known as a pioneer plant because it can grow in hard packed ground, bringing up nutrients from 8 or 9 feet below the surface.

Carrots

Radishes

Swiss Chard

Cilantro

Chives

Marsh Mallow

Cabbage

Carrots

Basil

Thyme

Oregano

Chives

Dill

Rosemary

Spinach