The Secret Life of a Seed
Why Saving Matters (for Our Open Day!)
Every single plant in our allotments begins as a tiny, unassuming seed. It holds the promise of a future harvest, the blueprint for a delicious meal, and the very essence of a vibrant new life. But beyond being a starting point, seeds are a precious resource—one that our community can share and cherish.
This year, we’re excited to introduce a new Seed Sale stall at our Open Day, and we need your help to make it a success! This isn’t just about selling seeds; it’s a powerful act of sustainability and a unique way to raise vital funds for the Chipping Barnet Food Bank.
Why Seed Saving is So Important
- Sustainable & Free: Saving your own seeds is a powerful, chemical-free way to reduce waste and get new plants for free!
- Preserving Diversity: You can save unique varieties that you might not find in garden centres, ensuring their legacy continues.
- Community Sharing: It’s a way to pass on knowledge and success from one plot holder to another.
A Simple Guide to Saving Allotment Seeds
Saving seeds is easier than you think! For many plants, the key is simply to let the plant mature fully.
Take our Swiss chard, for example. Instead of pulling up the plant after harvesting the leaves, let a few plants “go to seed.” A beautiful stalk will grow, and you’ll see small, hard seeds form. Let these dry completely on the plant before you snip off the stalks. For other plants like beans or peas, simply let the pods dry and turn brown before you collect the seeds inside.
Our Mission in Action: Every Seed Sold Feeds a Family
Every packet of seeds sold at our Open Day will go directly to our mission. The money raised will be donated to the Chipping Barnet Food Bank, helping them purchase essential items to complement the fresh produce we provide. Your contribution helps us turn your individual harvest into a community-wide bounty.
Help Us Grow This Initiative!
We’re asking all plot holders to please save any dried, viable seeds from your plants and donate them for our new stall.
- I'll handle the processing: I'll be happy to process the seeds for sale, ensuring they are properly cleaned, dried, and packaged.
- Drop them off: You can bring your dried seeds directly to my Plot 120.
- Or, I can collect them: : Simply contact me to arrange a time.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about saving seeds or the collection process.
Thank you in advance for your incredible generosity! Together, we can truly Discover Our Plots and Empower Our Community for a healthier Barnet.
Monique Wyatt (Plot 120) Open Day Coordinator New Barnet Allotment Society 07484 275 193
