Spring Planting is Upon Us

It's time to plant seeds. April's issue of Grow Food Network Magazine is now available.

We are including this month's Feature Garden Story in our blog so everyone can read about Cowichan Valley's Only Seed Company called "Edible Earth Seeds"

“Every Seed has a Story”

By Joy Story

Not many gardeners think about the story behind the seeds they are planting, but as Robin Sturley points out, “People brought their favorite seed with them from their homelands and that is why we have such diversity in the varieties of seeds that we can grow today.

Each seed has a story of where it came from, who brought the seed from where, and how long has the seed been around. Robin says some seeds date back to the 1600’s.

Robin has partnered with Nora Arajs and together they have started a local seed company in the Cowichan Valley called “Edible Earth Seeds.” They are specializing in open pollinated heirloom and rare seeds.

Robin and Nora at Duncan's Seedy Saturday selling their Edible Earth Seeds

When asked whey should we plant locally grown seeds, Robin says “Each generation becomes more adaptive to the Cowichan Valley’s growing conditions and that way you can be sure that you are starting with seeds that will grow well here in this region and climate, and have greater success.

Open pollinated seeds are what gardeners need in order to save their own seeds and have control over their food security. Hybrid seeds require repeat purchasing each year and often are owned by individuals or corporations.

Edible Earth Seeds focuses on growing seeds that are reliable for this growing region and climate, seeds that will survive over a long time, and seeds that can be dried and used as a storage food, such as beans and peas.

Edible Earth grows seed for home gardeners as well as wholesale for Dan at Salt Spring Seeds.

Both Robin and Nora have a love for seeds and want to encourage gardeners to grow and save their own seeds. Nora says, “Start by growing what you love from seed, then introduce a new one each year.”