Sowing the seeds of healthy living

The Prince Edward Island Seed Alliance is building a healthier Island – one seed at a time. 

The alliance shares seeds and encourages Islanders to grow their own food.

“Islanders have a diet that is largely imported, processed foods that can lead to obesity, which is a big burden on our health system,” said Irene Novaczek, who organized the alliance’s recent Seedy Saturday event at the Breadalbane Community Centre. 

“Growing your own food, even having just a few little plants out in the garden, gets your hands into the soil. Scientists have now proven that the beneficial bacteria in soil strengthens your immune system and protects against disease,” Novaczek added.

Seedy Saturdays are seed-share events held across the continent, where gardeners can choose from hundreds of free community-provided seed. In order to qualify to be part of a Seedy Saturday event, seeds have to have a minimum 80 per cent germination rate.

“These are plants that have been successful growing in Prince Edward Island so we know they are hardy, we know they’re productive,” Irene said.

The Prince Edward Island Seed Alliance has more than 50 varieties packaged for 2017. Their seeds are grown by local farmers on small farms. Islanders can pick up seeds at various locations throughout the province, including the following:

• Seedy Saturday and Sunday events in Montague, Charlottetown and Summerside
• Summerside Farmers Market from Emmerdale Eden Organics
• Charlottetown Farmers Market at Pembroke Farm’s booth and Locavore taco stand
• Online through their Etsy page
• The Voluntary Resource Center in Charlottetown, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (and occasionally on evenings and weekends).

Seeds are also available by donation from seed libraries at some provincial library locations including Breadalbane and the Confederation Centre public library.

The Seed Alliance will have seed potatoes and garlic later in the growing season. In May, they will host plant exchanges. For more information, contact the Prince Edward Island Seed Alliance.