Seeds for Change: Organic Seed Production & Crop Variety Improvement

Monday evening, July 4th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011, 8:30am – 4:30pm
instructor: John Navazio
cost: $145 + HST (lunch included)

contact: programs@foxglovefarmbc.ca or 1-250-931-5336

This workshop is designed to provide organic farmers and serious gardeners with the skills that you’ll need to grow a bountiful crop of high quality vegetable seed. This day long intensive will focus on improving and adapting your favorite vegetable varieties to your climate, your farming practices, and your specific needs. In addition to the basics of growing seed organically, we will cover how to determine if you are starting with good seed stock and how to improve and revitalize any favorite variety that “just ain’t what it used to be!”

We will cover various methods for preserving genetic purity of any seed you save as well as learning several simple methods to increase and maintain the genetic diversity and elasticity of each veggie you grow so they will be able to adapt to the climatic rollercoaster that is becoming the new normal. We will get to see some great variation in some of the vegetables growing at Foxglove Farm and discuss how you can identify and select the best plants for an improved seed crop. We also learn the basic differences between self-pollinated and cross-pollinated crops and tune in to the important role that insects play and how to improve the ecological health of your farm and garden through encouraging pollinators to be part of your agro-ecosystem. We will also cover how to tell when your seeds are mature and how to harvest, clean and store your seed.

This workshop is for organic farmers and serious gardeners interested in gaining and refining their seed saving skills and increasing the joy, benefits, and independence that come with growing a high quality seed crop!

John Navazio is the Senior Plant Breeder for the Organic Seed Alliance in Port Townsend, Washington. John is a plant geneticist whose research and teaching is directed at the integration of innovative organic farming methods by breeding crops for decreased inputs and resistance to environmental challenges. John holds a PhD in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics.