As the growing season wraps up in the PNW, the UW Farm team is hard at work threshing, collecting, counting, and storing seeds for the future. Seed saving is an important task for many farms and gardens that aim to be more sustainable and cost-effective.
At the farm, we collect seeds from the most productive open-pollinated and self-pollinated plants throughout the growing season to pass on genes that are more likely to be regionally adapted to the microclimate at UW. Seed saving practices also hold immense cultural value, especially for indigenous peoples: through the continued cultivation of specific plant varieties, indigenous farming practices and knowledge are celebrated and preserved!
For those interested in saving seeds for their own garden or farm, it is important to know a little bit about the differences between heirloom, genetically modified, and hybrid plants. Heirloom, or open-pollinated plants, will always begreat plants for saving seeds! Genetically modified plant seed can also be saved, but be aware of the manufacturer’s policies on their patented seed before doing so. Unfortunately, hybrid varieties of vegetables will not produce true seed in the next generation, so their seeds should not be saved. However, a hybrid plant can be cloned from a cutting of the original plant! The Seed Savers Exchange is a useful resource for seed saving strategies.
If you are looking to buy seeds to get started on your own growing and seed saving adventure, check out these amazing, local seed distributors that the UW Farm also sources from!
VIDEO 5 of the 6-part Series launched by the 2050 project, who is partnering with the UW Farm. Each week, for six weeks we will share here, and in social media, aspects of the farm that we hope will motivate views to learn, laugh and grow our urban community food system. Feel free to share with friends and your networks.
News and Noteworthy:
Food Justice Workshop with Black Coffee Northwest
Hosted by Black Coffee Northwest and Hunger Intervention Program
December 10, 6pm – 7pm
Join Black Coffee and Hunger Intervention Program for a Food Justice Workshop. They will explore the intersection of hunger, the environment, and socio-economic and race inequities, through interactive activities and discussions.
For more information and to register visit their event page here
Seniors Grocery Deliveries from El Centro De La Raza Food Bank
Hosted by the Cascade Bicycle Club
Ongoing, Wednesdays and Fridays 1pm
Cascade Bicycle Club is partnering with El Centro De La Raza to deliver groceries to Seniors who are home, vulnerable, and limited due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. All you need is your bike, a basket or way to carry the groceries, and proper clothing.
For more information and to register visit their site here
Getting Involved during the Winter Season and the Holidays
Most Food Banks organize non-perishable food drives during the holidays. While you are shopping for your dinner, check out these links to see what you can pick up to donate to your choice of food bank:
Salvation Army will hold food drives at more than 30 QFC supermarkets across Western Washington
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
The Weekly Dirt is produced once a week by the University of Washington Farm, a program of the UW Botanic Gardens, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, College of the Environment. It is published nearly year-round for educational purposes and the majority of the content is written or contributed by students and farm staff.
This issue's contributors:
Around the Farm, Liran Zimand, UW Farm Student Staff
Editor: Diana Knight, Advancement and Communications Manager, Department of Chemistry Photo Credits and Other Content: Perry Acworth
Other photos retrieved from the internet and noted in sections
As the growing season wraps up in the PNW, the UW Farm team is hard at work threshing, collecting, counting, and storing seeds for the future. Seed saving is an important task for many farms and gardens that aim to be more sustainable and cost-effective.
