Thanks to everyone who came out to support us at the 7th Annual Heirloom Seed Sale on Saturday! Despite frigid temperatures and lingering clusters of snow on the roadways, gardeners in scarves and snow boots formed a line outside Woodland Christian Church, enthusiastic for the promise of spring that seeds hold.
At this year’s fundraiser, we sold 1,600 packets of seeds, raising $6,000 to support the GleanKY’s mission of nourishing Kentucky’s hungry by gathering and redistributing excess food. The heirloom seeds available ranged from painted pony beans to Amish paste tomatoes to picnic watermelons.
The hard-to-find varieties were sourced from The Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit seed company that specializes in heirloom and organic seeds and plants. Abbreviated seed packets started at $3, and for the first time ever, buyers had the additional options of purchasing mixed seasonal packets or “Plant a Row” grab bags, with all the equipment and seeds necessary to participate in the Plant-a-Row program.
Seed shoppers enjoyed access to a comprehensive guide describing each seed as well as on-site cultivation expert to answer questions about gardening. With many popular seed varieties selling out before noon, we’re already planning for a greater supply of seeds to meet demands in 2016.
We want to thank all the volunteers and community members who contributed to making the fundraiser a success. Also, thanks to the Lexington Herald-Leader for helping spread the word about sustainable gardening. If you didn’t make it to the sale but want to support GleanKY’s mission, please click here. Also a big thank you to our sponsors!
