Local Food Matters has launched its new Seed Share Cupboard, which was recently installed for use at 919 10th St.
The cupboard will allow locals to share, trade, swap or gawk at seeds, books and all things gardening, according to the organization.
A community space designed to keep the green thumbs of Golden busy while promoting local sustainable growing practices, the cupboard was based in the annual seed swap which traditionally took place in March, giving community members a chance to swap locally grown seeds.
The inspiration for the cupboard came after last year’s in-person seed swap had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.
Seed swap member Sheri Fleischauer held a spontaneous seed giving event, doling out seeds to locals using a butterfly net to ensure safe social distance.
Local Food Matters hopes it’s something that catches on, as people become more conscious of sustainable living options.
“The idea of a Seed Share Cupboard is something that neighbours can easily reproduce, either with a physical structure, like the Share Cupboard or the mini-libraries Rotary’s Interact group has installed in town, or just informally by chatting over the fence and sharing seeds,” read a statement from the organization.
The point of the swap was to spread seeds that are more likely to thrive in Golden’s conditions, as well as knowledge for those who are just getting into gardening.
According to Local Food Matters, local seed swaps build a supply of food seeds, which are well suited to that area and can contribute to sustainable consumption and green living.
“It is an opportunity to try seeds which have grown well locally but some might have crossed genetics or other peculiarities,” said the organization.
“You might end up with a ‘pumkini’ or a ‘zukin’ blend from an accidental cross-fertilization – but it will be tasty!”
There is a bin specifically for seed donations. Seeds must be labeled with type of seed, year harvested and any interesting info.
Volunteers will stop by the cupboard and make individual packets for sharing.
The cupboard will be funded through community donations, which help Local Food Matters finance projects.
Donations can be e-transfered or cash donations in the “Community Change Matters” jar.
