Today I was sending the following comment to Mother Earth Living, hosted by the editors of the very interesting Mother Earth News magazine, “The Original Guide to Living Wisely” http://www.motherearthnews.com/ (warmly recommended, also for the Mother Earth Living Tips!):
“As a botanist and honorary professor of the University of Ghent (Belgium), I am currently helping UNICEF ALGERIA with a project called “Creation of family gardens and school gardens in the Saharawi refugee camps in the Sahara desert of Algeria”. More than 1000 small family gardens were created in 2007 (see website with photos . In August, I launched an action in Belgium for the collection of seeds of tropical and sub-tropical fruit species, like melon, watermelon, pumpkin, papaya, avocado, sweet pepper, chilipepper, tomato, pommegranade, tamarind, etc. Many compatriots are sending me the seeds of the fruits they consumed, otherwise going to their garbage bin. All these seeds are nowadays going to the refugee camps, helping to produce some vegetables and fruits for these poor people and children. I wonder if some readers of Mother Earth News would like to help UNICEF by sending seeds of vegetables and fruits to my address : Prof. Dr. Willem VAN COTTHEM - Beeweg 36 - B9080 ZAFFELARE (Belgium). The seeds are sent to the refugee camps in S.W. Algeria with the help of the Algerian Embassy in Brussels. Thanks for your attention to this humanitarian action. To all of you : Merry Christmas and a very green 2008, also for the family gardens in the desert. Willem“
I was sending this comment after reading Mother Earth Living’s
Swap Seeds This Season
by Tabitha Alterman
If you’re getting eager to start your garden, you’re probably already stockpiling seed catalogs and making wish lists. But before you order a long list of seeds from the catalogs, you might want to try acquiring seeds through fun and easy seed swaps. You can save a little money this way, and it’s a great excuse to get together with other local gardeners. Plus you’ll be joining the efforts of gardeners worldwide to preserve plant diversity and keep many heirloom garden plants around for generations to come. The traditional model of a seed swap is an informal local get-together, usually in early spring, where gardening neighbors all bring extra seeds saved from previous seasons — along with any surplus seedlings they won’t be able to use that year — and trade these valuable goods among themselves. Who had the juiciest tomatoes last year? You’ll want a few seeds from those plants. You started too many broccoli seedlings in your backyard greenhouse? Why not spread the love around?
The most valuable aspect of attending a seed swap may actually be the chance to glean local wisdom about what works — or doesn’t work — in your shared gardening microclimate. To find a seed swap near you, check with local gardening clubs and food co-ops. If you decide to organize a local seed swap this year (check out this guide on how to do that), think about inviting an expert who can talk to your community about how important the efforts of gardeners are in preserving our global biodiversity.
You may also want to join an online seed exchange. For just $35, you can become a member of Seed Savers Exchange and immediately have access to thousands of rare vegetable, fruit and grain seeds. They also have a special group (also a $35 fee) for people who are interested in exchanging flower and herb heirlooms.
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