These seeds are adapted to our growing climate and are an invaluable resource. By placing collective seeds in a bank, a community protects unique vegetable and flower varieties that may be otherwise discontinued by commercial seed sources. Goals of the Seed Bank
· To provide community access to quality, local seeds.
· To preserve local, heritage and heirloom seed varieties.
· To promote seed
saving and food gardening.
· To develop and distribute seeds that are optimum for our unique Southern New Mexico soils and climate.
· To collect the social histories of our local seeds. Supporting the Seed Bank
Mostly, we are seeking growers for our seeds. If you enjoy growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers and would be interested in growing some of our Seed Bank seeds, please contact us! We can provide seeds, starters, technical support and even save the seeds for you. We could also use some supplies such as mason jars (1/2 pint and pint), lids/rings, small (seed/stamp/coin) envelopes. If I grow for seed saving, can I still have yummy veggies from my garden? Most plants produce an abundance of seeds, and so there is usually plenty of product to be harvested and eaten. There are some requirements (listed below), and we prioritize seeds that are grown locally. However, you do not need to be a commercial or professional grower - families, school groups and others are encouraged to grow seeds for the Seed Bank. Will the Seed Bank provide me with seeds if I'm a grower? We are interested in getting as many different growers as possible, and want to help you help us! We will provide you with seeds and may even have some starter plants available in the early growing season. Be sure to contact us for more information obtaining seeds or starts. How do seeds enter the Seed Bank?
· Anyone may contribute seeds to the bank.
· Individuals who contribute seeds must be the original grower.
· Seeds must be grown using organic methods and practices.
· Seeds should be accompanied by a short written description, including history of variety if known.
· No genetically modified or hybrid seeds are accepted. How do seeds get distributed into the community?
· The amount of seed distributed is determined by the total amount and quality of seed in the Bank.
· Seeds are distributed to Seed Bank Growers, school / community gardens, and the general public directly or at our seed events. Plans include early spring, spring, and fall seed events, and we participate in various community events such as Earth Day.
· Seed Bank Growers are given priority for seed distributions.
· Seeds grown from Seed Bank seeds are labeled and distributed as "Bank Seeds." CALENDAR
Early Spring Seed Share- 2-4-12, Mountain View Market in the Community Room, 12-3:00pm
Spring Seedling Share- Seeds, seedlings, and cuttings. Mid-April, location TBA
Earth Day- Kid friendly gardening. Seeds and info at the Las Cruces Earth Day event. Fall Seed Share- date and location TBA
Various Farmer’s Markets- seasonally appropriate seeds and info throughout the year. CLASSES
Seed saving
STUFF WE NEED
Jars- small ½ pint, pint, mason type preferred, lids and rings. Envelopes- small, for seed distribution, sometimes sold as stamp or coin envelopes. seed cleaning. Growers- to grow and properly save seed for replenishing and building the bank supply. Local Solutions Las Cruces
Jon Simmons
640-4288
[email protected]