Seed, plant exchange returns for 22nd year
On March 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Humboldt Permaculture Guild will be holding the 22nd annual “Seed, Plant and Scion Exchange” at the Arcata Community Center, 321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Arcata.
The event is open to the public with a suggested entry donation of $2 to $5, though no one will be turned away.
Participants bring seeds, live plants or fruit tree cuttings known as “scion” to share if they have any, and take whatever they reasonably expect to use regardless of what they bring. The only hard and-fast rule of the exchange is that no seeds or other material from invasive plant species are allowed. In addition to the free exchange, local nurseries, farmers and businesses will be on hand to sell seeds, plants and garden-related services, and a number of local nonprofit organizations will offer educational materials on topics ranging from native plants, affordable access to local food and health care.
Several free workshops by Cooperation Humboldt will be taught by local experts on a variety of topics, including “Intro to Permaculture,” “Leveraging Permaculture for Change in Your Community” and “Fruit Tree Grafting.”
A children’s craft and game area will be provided by Humboldt Parent Hive for children ages 1 and up. Kids will learn how to make seed shakers, egg carton fairies and more.
The fruit tree and scion area will provide low cost ($4) fruit tree rootstock for peach, pear and apple trees and on-site grafting assistance will be available as well as advice on the best varieties for your climate.
Raffle tickets will be for sale at a reasonable price to help cover the costs of the event. A locally sourced lunch will be served by the nonprofit Locally Delicious, with proceeds going to a program that helps local farmers grow food for
Food for People.
Anyone interested in bringing seeds or plants to the event is encouraged to provide detailed labels which include species name, variety name, and for seeds the year and location the seed was produced. Participants are also encouraged to bring locally appropriate species and varieties, and to focus on seeds and plants which have been produced using organic or other sustainable methods. Anyone interested in taking home seeds or plants is encouraged to bring old seed envelopes, bags and boxes for re-use, although some will be provided for those who do not bring their own. Participants are also reminded to take care not to bring or take home invasive plants or weeds.
Permaculture is a set of principles and practices for designing human landscapes with the diversity and resilience of natural ecosystems. The Humboldt Permaculture Guild is an allvolunteer group of local residents with the goal of promoting permaculture-related practices and ideas in Humboldt County and surrounding areas. For more information, visit humboldtpermaculture.com.