Coriander Seed
One definition for seed is
” …the fertilised ripened ovule of a flowering plant containing an embryo capable of germination to create a new plant…”
Seed saving is absolutely vital for a number of reasons and this age old tradition (and necessity) is under attack in our present world. Only recently, the European government pondered on new legislation to prevent ordinary people like you and me from saving our seeds, from swapping, sharing and giving away seeds. Having been lobbied by huge agri chemical businesses such as , yes, you’ve guessed it, Monsanto, Bayer and Syngenta, the legislation was only stopped by people power. The Irish Seed Savers Association and their compatriots in Europe, along with the public who signed petitions and wrote to our MEPs managed to stop this legislation. We must all remain alert and vigilant that such crazy ideas are not to be enshrined in law in the future.
Mullein, Nigella and Nasturtium
We started our garden about seven years ago, as we became more concerned about food security and sharing the belief that growing our own food is a revolutionary act. We cannot trust governments to protect our food sovereignty because they are so exposed to powerful lobbyists . We are taking responsibility for our own well being and we are growing nutritious fresh food. Only yards from field to table.
A portion of our harvest
Now I am taking things one step further – I am saving seed. At the moment I am only a beginner, saving seeds that are large enough and easy enough to access.
Poppy, Coriander, Marrow, Lunaria, Pea, Mullein, Pink Campion, Calendula, Nigella
I have also saved Kale, Perennial Cauliflower, Purple Sprouting Broccoli various lettuces and Columbine. Some of these are flower seeds. I once thought that growing flowers was self-indulgent but now I know that flowers are vital to attract the bees and other pollinators so that my vegetables are pollinated giving me the seed for next year. Saving seed brings us one step closer to Mother Earth and further realisation that we are indeed, connected to everything – the bees, the insects, the plants, the food, the planet.
Fennel seeds ready for drying
The thrill of opening a seed case and releasing the seeds into a bowl or container is just fantastic. It is indeed a thrill to know that by collecting and saving seed I am part of the cycle of life – I am contributing to LIFE and to bio-diversity. I am happy to know that I am doing something positive and beneficial for the planet.
Pink Campion Seeds (on plate) and Evening Primrose Seeds behind
Saving seed is a time consuming job but it is so worth it.
My box of seeds – a treasure chest!
Seeds can also be metaphorical and we can think about the “seeds” we want to plant in our lives; what do we want to harvest in our lives?
If you would like to purchase any of my seeds, they are 2euro per packet. Let me know which seeds you are saving by using the comments box below.