What is a Seedy Sunday?

It’s that time of year again. What time of year? Ah, yes. Spring. The time when sidewalks start to get a little easier to traverse on. The time when the sun shines just a little bit brighter, and when the days get a little bit longer. What a great feeling that is.

But I feel something else. Something just below the earth. Something jumping, skipping, full of energy, ready to burst. What could it be? Seeds! We LOVE seeds. Spring is the time for new beginnings, and what’s more symbolic than, a seed, from which new things grow? Are you, like me, anticipating spring and the newness it brings? Are you a seed lover, a plant lover, looking for your share of friendly flora?

Look no further than the farmers market, where Seedy Sunday will be taking place on the 10th of March 2024, from 10 am to 1 pm. I was curious to learn more about this event, so I reached out to Ethan Copp, one of the student facilitators, and a fourth year CLEN student. Here is what he had to say.

What is a Seedy Sunday?

      It is a community event designed to encourage seed swapping and selling, the sharing of knowledge, and the sharing and conserving of heirloom seeds. Swapping and selling is when people give away, trade, and sell seeds, which facilitates seed sharing and improves community access to seeds. The knowledge shared includes farmers and community members sharing knowledge on how to grow gardens, providing farming tips, and sharing knowledge about the local environment and how to save seeds. Finally, heirloom seeds have been saved and passed down through generations of farmers and gardeners. They are essential to conserve and share as they are not cultivated in conventional industrial agricultural settings today. This is essential for biodiversity and the promotion of food sovereignty, both key for the mitigation and adaptation against climate change.

Have you been to a Seedy Sunday in the past? Can you tell us a bit about it?

      I have been to the Seedy Sunday event in 2023. The event's theme was biodiversity, which was reflected in various educational materials, kids' activities, students, and vendors. It is similar to the farmers market as it is hosted at the same venue but with a different spin due to the seed focus. The atmosphere was great as my friends were helping host the event, so I got to chat. A student musician was playing, and a group of young highland dancers from McLeod School of Highland Dance did a dance demo. There is a little something for everyone, whether you are a foodie, a big plant person, love music, or are passionate about learning. I personally found out about a lot of neat groups across Nova Scotia working on biodiversity. I did some networking and swapped some flower seeds I had for herbs instead. 

 What should students expect at the upcoming Seedy Sunday in March of 2024?

      Students, should they decide to attend the Seedy Sunday event on March 10th, should expect to enjoy local food and drinks, get some houseplants or seeds to grow one, learn more about seeds and gardening, especially food production in small spaces (sprouts, microgreens, windowsill gardens, small outdoor gardens), and network with gardening related and other neat organizations from across Nova Scotia.

Why should students attend the upcoming Seedy Sunday?

      Students should come out to Seedy Sunday to network, get involved in the community and learn more about using tools for food sovereignty to address climate change. Seedy Sunday on March 10th will be a fun and great place to start a journey into the world of food sovereignty, gardening, and community in Nova Scotia. 

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Need some tips on how to get there? Go with friends! Go solo for a challenge! Here’s another idea, ask your CAs or Community Educators if they would run a plant program! It is the perfect opportunity to get some sunlight and fresh air if the weather permits. Make a seed happy today. We hope to see YOU at Seedy Sunday.