Local gardeners can get a head start on the coming growing season Feb. 6 at the 14th annual Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday seed swap and market at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.
More than 70 vendors will be selling seeds — including many heritage and uncommon varieties — as well as garden tools, plants, garden decorations and other garden items.
Bring your own seeds to trade at the traditional seed swap, or look for vegetables, fruit, meat, baked goods and other items at the farmer’s market.
Master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions, and two speakers will share their expertise in the Meeting Garden Challenges lectures. Linda Gilkeson presents Do You Really Know What the Problem is? from 10:30-noon, and Connie Kuramoto presents Water, Water, Everywhere from 12:30-2 p.m.
Get the little ones started on a life of gardening with Milner Gardens’ Shoots with Roots children’s program, and pick up tickets for door prizes including an art glass vase from Ted Jolda, a $200 Qualicum Foods gift certificate, an $85 rain barrel from Dolly’s Home Hardware and an $80 Veg Trug planter from Lee Valley Tools.
Finally, the Town of Qualicum Beach will be collecting old garden chemicals for disposal.
Seedy Saturday runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Civic Centre, 747 Jones Street. Admission is by donation and all ages are welcome.
For more information, call Sandy at 250-752-9650.
— Submitted by Town of Qualicum Beach