Seed saving workshop planned for Sept. 4

DEXTER — As a result of showing the film “Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds”, the Dexter Dover Area Towns in Transition (DDATT) is planning a seed-saving workshop for beginners on Sept. 4 at the Abbott Memorial Library in Dexter from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Concerned that farmers’ and gardeners’ historic open access to seeds is being limited by modern corporate practices of patenting and monopolization, DDATT supports creation of our own local seed “bank” of unhybridized seeds, seeds that will breed true to their parents’ genes.  

Many area gardeners have been propagating these “heirloom” varieties for generations, continuously selecting preferred characteristics to adapt to the local conditions. But many novice gardeners have had no experience with saving seeds from one season to the next, and those are the people for whom the seed-saving workshop is aimed.  People who know how to save seeds from vegetables and fruits are encouraged to come to the workshop to demonstrate those skills to others who are eager to learn.

The “Open Sesame” DVD (as well as many other dvds of the films DDATT has shown over the past years) is available for free loan at the Abbott Memorial Library. DDATT’s mission is to help ourselves rethink and reshape our community as we all struggle to move (consciously or not) away from our dependence on oil and other fossil energy sources.

For more information on DDATT and future events, email info@ddatt.org to get on email list, or call 277-4221 or 924-3836.