a BIG thank you
We would like to thank the following companies who are donating seeds for the 2023 Bristol Seed Swap. We couldn't do this without your generosity and support.
The Heritage Seed Library is part of Garden Organic, who promote organic gardening. Their mission is to save as many of our heritage crops as they can, growing on donated seeds to increase stocks and distributing these to their members.
They have given us generous donations of rare and wonderful seeds for years, nd we make a donation in return out of any profits we make at the Seed Swap. Our aims are almost identical and we want to help this great organisation in its vital work.
If you would like to support them you can become a member for a few pounds a month, and for an additional small donation become a member of the Heritage Seed Library which entitles you to 6 packets of seeds each year from the very special seeds they preserve.
You can also become a Seed Guardian and raise a crop of seeds for them to increase the stock and so protect strains from dying out.
Tamar Organics Are 'on a mission to encourage people to grow at least some of their own food and to do it organically.'
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We are grateful that once again they have donated a fabulous box of seeds for The Bristol Seed Swap. We divide packs up where appropriate, but check out the labels as we give credit to our donors, and if you are keen on organic seeds these are great.
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Tamar Organics started as a small organic market garden in 1994. They have been registered as producers with the soil association since that time.
Their mail order catalogue includes vegetable, herb and flower seeds, organic onions, shallots, garlic, seed potatoes and plant material.
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The composts and fertilisers they offer are all permitted for use in organic systems and the miscellaneous products are all chosen for their green credentials.
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Vital Seeds was founded in 2018, in response to the lack of availability of UK-grown organic and open-pollinated seed.
Most of the seed planted in the UK is actually produced many thousands of miles away in countries with a drier climate and cheaper labour.
This means that the varieties we grow are unable to adapt to our specific climatic conditions over time. It also means that we do not have control over this vital element of our food system, which we believe is very important.
In the last 100 years we have lost 90% of the diversity in our food crops globally, mainly due to the industrialization of the food system and wide-spread use of proprietary F1 hybrid varieties.
As all of our seeds are open-pollinated you can save your own seed from them year after year.
The Kitchen Garden Magazine is a great gardening magazine for those of us who grow food more than flowers. They often have seeds for free on the cover or big bundles of them for an introductory offer to subscribers.
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They kindly gave us two boxes of these seeds that were left over, and we are immensely grateful. We divided packs up to make them go further, but check out our little brown envelopes for the credit to our donors at the bottom.
In a nutshell KGM offers down-to-earth advice from the finest minds in gardening to make sure you get the tastiest produce from your plot. Packed every month with hints and tips on growing your own fruit and veg, this is perfect for beginners and experts alike.
With seven different offers available, there’s something for every budget. And don’t forget that all subscribers are eligible to sign-in to the Subs Club on the Kitchen Garden website!
Seeds From Italy is the U.S. distributor for Franchi Seeds, Italy's oldest family-owned seed company, founded in 1783. We sell more than 450 varieties of Italian heirloom vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. Our seeds are untreated, most are open-pollinated, and many are certified organic.
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The company also has a range of 'giftware', support their work in preserving heritage seeds by treating yourself and others.
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Another great gardening magazine that spins off from the famous and long running gardening programme. They too give seeds for free on the cover and have sent us a box full. Many, many thanks you lovely people.
We divided packs up to make them go further, but check out our little brown envelopes for the credit to our donors at the bottom.
As a subscriber to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, you can enjoy a 10 per cent saving on your shopping from our carefully chosen partners. You'll find direct links and discount codes on their website, click on the heading to go to the website. In addition to these year-round savings there's a wealth of other great, subscriber-only offers and events.