I asked on another thread for input on crops of interest.
I have a question for the American part of the community I hope you’re okay with me asking here. What benefits do you see in the GTD seed mixes compared to the Serendipity Seed Swap? Both provide ways of getting lots of diversity. They demand different kinds of work. What differences between them do you see?
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The seed swap seems to offer a lot more diversity of species and also ecotypes/landraces. Wild seeds, perennial seeds, etc.
I have not signed up to the seed swap because my schedule is too busy and being on a list to receive and send a big package which a lot of others are waiting for is just one more thing added.
The GTS seeds offer a good mix of common crop seeds which I know I can order if/when needed as long as I don’t miss the date, and same for sending seeds back. Much less pressure for an already often chaotic schedule.
Thanks for the feedback. I hear the GTS seed are more convenient to get relative to the coordination involved in receiving and sending the seed chain in time. On the other hand, the seed chain offers more diversity.
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The seed trains and the GTS seed packs seem to work in different ways, which are complimentary.
If I am considering, for example, a GTS C. maxima winter squash seed pack, I know that there has been a steward who has worked to ensure that the seeds are viable and as diverse as possible. I feel this intentionality to the seed packs is useful for being part of a structured breeding project or variety trial. But it can also be enjoyed in chaotic gardening systems.
Whereas with the seed train I might find one type of C. maxima seed, many types, or none. With the seed train I expect more spontaneity with the opportunity to try seeds I otherwise wouldn’t know about or have access to.
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@Ashley_Lutz and @Patate apologies for the delayed response. I’m thrilled you’re interested in taking this on. Sounds like crops we’d have enough surplus of to share from the US side include:
- kale
- broccoli
- sweet corn
- cucumber
- melons
- beans
There are also some contributions offered from canadian growers, which I could route to one of you rather than trying to import them to the US. I seed grain corn, tomatoes (which can’t be imported to US regardless), beans, squash, kale and watermelon. We’ll need to determine what makes sense for the pilot – I still think keeping it to a small number of species is a good idea.
Probably best to have a meeting to discuss. I’ll ask canadian contributors to hang on to their seeds until we sort out where to send them. You all can view my availability here: Reclaim – A smart friend for your calendar and find maybe 30 min to kick things off? I can also make time on weekends or evenings if that works better for you.
Thanks Anna, I’ll get in touch with Ashley to see if we can find a good time for a meeting.
I booked a time that worked for us both. See you then!
@Ashley_Lutz I’ll add you to the meeting with @Patate and cancel the time you’d scheduled. sound good?
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That’s perfect thanks Anna!
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The Serendipity Seed Swap is very loose as far as what can be included. People can add all sorts of plant seeds including very niche things. In the box I got there were fruit tree seeds, bush and vine seeds and even ornamentals.
The individual packets will often be from a single growing zone so you can pick varieties that suit your area.
On the downside, the train is only as strong as it’s weakest link, and if someone has slow turnaround, everyone down the line is affected.
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