Annual Floyd County Seed Swap Potluck

Share ’em if you got ’em to spare, take ’em if you’ll plant ’em!

Get and give free seeds. Why not try something new in this year’s garden? There’s always pleasant surprises including heirloom veggies, flowers, and herbs, ornamentals… all varieties are welcome!

Got extra plants to give away? Bring em!

Grow something for seed to add to your local seed library. The Forgotten Farms Seed Library is located in the Floyd EcoVillage Farm Store so be sure to check it out while you’re here!

Optional potluck- you know there will be some good food!

Invite your friends: everyone is welcome!

Don’t be late because this year we’ll have guests speakers including:

Ian Canton from Wood Thrush Native Nursery,

Local Granny Witch, Laurie Quesinberry, from Bear Alchemy,

Tom Brody with the Virginia Association for Biological Farming,

Ed Skopol from I-TAL Acres,

Cory Hamza from Rivenwood Gardens at Floyd EcoVillage,

And an information table with Emily Waddell about the Appalachian Seed Story Project, a documentary and collection of Appalachian heirloom seeds, their growers, and their stories. Got a seed story to share? Email Emily at appalachianseedstoryproject@gmail.com.

You won’t wanna miss out!

Randye Schwartz is again organizing a group Fedco Seed order. Ordering with the group gives you a discount on your seeds. Please email her at redandandye@swva.net for instructions and to be included in her mailing list about this yearly ordering group. Fedco Seeds is a leader in ethical seed practices such as paying royalties and contributions to Native and Black groups whose ancestors brought us the seeds that nourish us today, as well as to the independent backyard breeders whose efforts continue to improve and diversify our gardens. Their seeds are very reasonably priced. Their news-print catalogs have beautiful art and entertaining descriptions, and they eventually make great fire starters.

Please check the seed viability chart against the age of your seeds here:

Be sure to bring seeds that were properly stored for viability so other gardeners will have success planting them. It is also helpful to provide information such as seed source (yourself or Aunt Sue or a seed company), year saved, variety name, and any other characteristics you’d like to share. There will be some envelopes provided, but bringing your own is strongly encouraged!

All remaining seeds will be donated to Plenty! to help further their mission of nourishing the community and feeding hungry neighbors by growing and sharing food.

Who: Everyone! Not just Floyd County either. This event is free and open to the public.

When: Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 12pm to 4pm.

Where: Floyd EcoVillage! 188 Eco Village Trail in Floyd VA 24091

The Seed Swap is made possible by Forgotten Farms and through the generosity of Floyd EcoVillage, Rivenwood Gardens, Seed Savers Exchange, Herman’s Garden Seeds, High Mowing organic Seed, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, Community Seed Network, Hudson Valley Seed Company, BBB Seeds, Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, and local seed savers.

Thank you!

Forgotten Farms is a nonprofit, agroecological farm providing regeneratively-produced, organic, heirloom fruits and vegetables as well as pastured meat and eggs from heritage livestock breeds to individuals and families in need to combat food insecurity in our community and raise awareness to shrinking biodiversity. We accept tax-deductible donations through our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/TheForgottenFarms

And PayPal here: https://paypal.me/ForgottenFarms

We appreciate your support!

Join your fellow seed savers on Facebook too! SWVA Seed Swap is a place where local seed savers can share seeds and make requests for seeds they are seeking.

As a final Seed Swap item, please email forgottenfarmsseedlibrary@gmail.com if you’d like to help with future Seed Swaps. We can always use help with advertising, setting up, cleaning up, and offering workshops or presentations. If you’re interested in sponsoring next year’s Seed Swap email katie.forgottenfarms@gmail.com.

Wishing you all a happy growing season!