5.04.22

Around The Farm

How Sourcing Seeds Locally Models Sustainable Growing Practices
By Dannette Lombert, AmeriCorps Member, Food Security Lead

With spring off to a strong start many of you are probably elbow deep in your gardens and growing spaces, trying to take care of all the new seedlings and crops that are starting to grow.

For those who like to grab starts – potted plants that have germinated and growing for a couple weeks – this is also the time when many plant sales are going on and when folks may be starting to source seeds.

At UW Farm, we try our best to source our seeds and starts locally from other growers in the Pacific Northwest, or small agricultural businesses around the country when needed.

Some local seed companies we order from are Adaptive Seeds, Uprising Seeds, Territorial Seeds, Irish Eyes, and Deep Harvest Farms. We order from these, and other local companies, because we know that these crops do well in our region, they have a wide variety of crops that are specific to our region, and because they are so close to us it lessens our carbon footprint when seeds are shipped.

Sourcing locally has led to building relationships and connecting with indigenous farmers and/or seed keepers. By working with these communities we've had the honor of growing Makah Ozette and To-Le-Ak Potatoes, Lower Salmon River Squash, and Wolverine's Orca Beans. Many of these are native to a particular region, are culturally significant to different groups and communities of a diaspora. 

However, sometimes sourcing seeds locally limits available quantities. When this happens, we source from small growers in other areas of the United States, such as:  Seed Savers, True Love Seeds, Fruition Seeds, and Native Seed Search

We hope you are able to source your seeds or starts locally to continue this effort! Tilth Alliance, SER-UW Nursery, Nathan Hale High School, and of course, UW Farm, are hosting some of the many Plant Sales happening this month, but keep an eye out for others in your community! 

News and Noteworthy:

Agriculture Work Opportunities in Washington:

• Red Dog Farms – Field Crew
• Oxbow Farm – Multiple
• WSDA Organic Programs – Inspectors
• One Leaf Farm – Farm Crew
• Viva Farms – Farm and Education Assistant
• 21 Acres – Multiple
• Common Ground – Farmer
• Tonnemaker – Field and Farm Stand Crew
• Tilth Alliance – Summer Children's Educator
• Cascade Markets – Market Manager

Food Access Resources

The UW Farm donates regularly to the UW Food Pantry. During peak season we also donate to nearby food banks. The links below are resources to help you or someone you know with food access.  

• UW Food Pantry: The UW Food Pantry | Any Hungry Husky (washington.edu)
• Northwest Harvest Food Donation sites: Public Drop Sites – Northwest Harvest
• University District Food Bank: Donate Food and Items – University District Food Bank (udistrictfoodbank.org)
• Food Lifeline: Volunteer – Food Lifeline

Help The Farm Grow!

Every year, we have the capacity to grow more food and increase our educational and research program at the UW, but not without your support. Every contribution goes to work immediately, helping us better serve students. Your support can sustain our momentum and help seed new opportunities for student internships, academic work, and future growth. Please consider making a gift to the Farm online

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