Now is the time to get ready for an old-time seed exchange being held at Heritage Flower Farm in Waterford township next month.
“Even though our event doesn’t take place until late September, people need to start saving vegetable and flower seeds for it now,” advised Betty Adelman of Heritage Flower Farm.
The seed exchange will be held Sunday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Farm is located at 33725 County Road L, Mukwonago, situated at the northwest corner Waterford township at the intersection of highways L and O.
Adelman explained that the first thing to know is what not to do – do not “deadhead” your flowers, she said, that is, do not cut back flowers that have finished blooming.
Instead, wait for seeds to form on the flowers, Adelman explained. Then, bring your seeds and any other seeds others have collected.
At 1:30 p.m. Sept. 30, Adelman will personally demonstrate seed collecting, saving and planting. Every level of gardener, from beginner to Master Gardener can learn something and take home free seeds.
“Not only is this seed exchange free, but the best part is you save on seeds and plants for next year,” Adelman said.
Here are some tips for collecting and saving seeds to bring:
• When seeds inside the pods turn darker and appear dry, they are ripe and ready to collect.
• Collect them in paper (not plastic) bags or envelopes to keep them dry. Moist seeds may mold and die.
• Separate the seeds from any chaff.
• Then, bring seeds to share on Sept. 30 in paper envelopes – at least 20 seeds per envelope – identified on the outside with the plant’s name.
“It’s not what you reap, it’s the seeds that you sow,” Adelman said.
For more information on seed collecting, visit
web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/42321.pdf; or send an email with questions to [email protected]
Heritage Flower Farm is an award-winning plant nursery growing and selling heirloom flowers, vines, ornamental grasses, trees and shrubs.
This spring, the American Automobile Association named Heritage Flower Farm as one of the three best places in Wisconsin to see flowers.
-
-
-
-
-