Seed swap event this Saturday at FVCC

Amidst the heaps of snow covering the Flathead Valley, a reminder of the coming spring returns to Flathead Valley Community College March 3 for the third annual Free the Seeds! event.

A project of Farm Hands: Nourish the Flathead, Free the Seeds! offers everyone from new gardeners to experienced farmers the opportunity to learn more about the many aspects of homegrown food and receive or trade seeds to get started.

The event features a seed swap where participants can pick from a variety of vegetables, flowers and other plant seeds donated by local sources as well as over 40 booths and 23 workshops presented by local experts on topics ranging from beekeeping to soil health.

“The goal has always been to have more people growing food in the valley,” said Gretchen Boyer, program director at Farm Hands. “When we think of our local food system and our local food, we often forget how important seeds are.”

Participants are welcome, but have no obligation to bring seeds to participate in the swap and can choose from over 20,000 packages of seeds.

Workshops will cover topics for participants of every skill level and interest, including pruning, pest/weed control, turning lawns into gardens, seed saving, composting and more.

Speakers will also provide information on farm-to-restaurant, farm-to-school, and farm share opportunities in the valley.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Arts and Technology Building at FVCC.

For more information about Free the Seeds!, visit www.freetheseedsmontana.com.