Intermediate Seed Saving for Urban Farmers and Gardeners

Are you a gardener or small farmer who wants to free yourself from the costs and dependency of buying seed? Come learn about seeds and varieties adapted to the greater Bay Area. We will identify the highest success crops for the small scale grower and then guide you through the process of saving their seed.

This workshop will cover basic and advanced seed concepts including basic taxonomy and botany, choosing the right variety or crop, ideal population sizes, preventing cross-pollination, selecting for improved varieties, seed maturation, seed harvest, and seed cleaning.

The workshop will also cover hand-pollination and other specific techniques for saving seed from more difficult crops. Although some background in seed saving is recommended, this is a great chance to learn about seed and connect with other seed savers in your region, even if you are a beginner.

About the teacher: Anders Vidstrand works as a gardener, lab tech, nursery manager, and part time instructor for the Landscape Horticulture Department at Merritt College in Oakland. He has also led workshops on plant propagation, dry farming, and vegetable gardening for many local organizations. He has been gardening since childhood and professionally in the Bay Area for the last 5 years. He is an organic gardener, a rare fruit grower and an active member of Seed Savers Exchange.

Specify when registering if ASL interpretation is requested, (at least 10 working days in advance).

Cost: $5 - $15 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds.
Info: 510-548-2220 x239, register [at] ecologycenter.org, http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/266218.
Wheelchair accessible.

This event is part of "Reclaim, Rebuild, Reskill: a Series on Growing Your Resiliency". http://www.ecologycenter.org/erc/events/ReskillitPoster.pdf