The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm invites all to stop by, take home seeds and learn key information about starting their growing season at our upcoming Seed Swap. There will be informational tables to showcase valuable gardening knowledge, such as plant families, healthy eating, container gardening, and more.
Campus and community members are invited to attend this event on April 9 from 5-7 p.m. at 3 Dots Downtown. This event is hosted by the Student Farm and the State College Borough. Other community groups such as Mount Nittany Health and PA Native Plant Society will also be present.
There will be plenty of seeds to share, and visitors are not expected to bring any of their own to take some home. They do ask that community members bring gently used tools that are no longer needed or in use, such as trowels, hori-horis, or hand cultivators. These will be distributed around campus and community growing spaces in need.
“The Student Farm and State College Borough collaborated to host a community seed swap many years ago, and I am thrilled that it’s finally back,” said Vancie Peacock, Student Farm AmeriCorps member. “There’s nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up when they find a new seed to grow this spring. And if you aren’t experienced with gardening or seed saving, you’ll find all the information you need at this event to start your new adventure!”
Learning to grow your own food from seeds can be a valuable skill to help fight food insecurity. Unfortunately, many people facing food insecurity are afraid of a stigma surrounding asking and receiving help.
“We recognize the indispensable role that local non-profit organizations play in addressing food insecurity in the State College Borough and beyond,” said Student Farm alum and Sustainability Program Assistant for the Borough, Anna Bohsali. “Growing your own food and teaching others to do so can be an effective way to help someone meet their food needs more independently and open up the conversation around food insecurity.”
If anyone is unable to attend, but is still interested in browsing seeds, there will be a set up at Centre County Libraries and Pattee Libraries the following week, available until supplies last.