We’ve published the Seed List for 2024!

Members can now download the list and the request form [and here is the newly issued addendum] or look for it in your January issue of the Bulletin. Seed requests are filled in the order they are received. Thank you to all who have donated seeds.

All seed requests MUST be received by Thursday, February 29, 2024

The Annual Seed Exchange is an opportunity for Cal Hort members to share seeds they’ve collected. Participation in the Seed Exchange is a benefit of membership; to receive seeds, you must be a current member of Cal Hort. Not a member? You can join online today

Timeline:

July–November: Members submit properly prepared seeds collected from their gardens. If you plan to submit seeds that ripen later send Dave a list now so he can prepare for them. We must receive these seeds no later than February.

January: A list of the donated seeds with a request form is made available to members.

February: Completed request forms along with $5 for supplies and postage must be received by the end of the month. Last chance to send in the seeds you notified us about in November.

March: Barring complications seeds are distributed this month, by mail.

If you would like to help please email us at calhortinfo@gmail.com and type “Volunteer” in the subject line.

Any seeds you care to share would be most welcome. Below is a list of the types of plant past participants indicated they’d particularly like:

Categories: pollinator attractants; drought survivors; conifers; California and South Africa natives in general, in particular California native bulbs and annuals

Genera: Acacia, Banksia, Protaea, Verbena, Lachenalia

Species: Papaver somnifera hybrids

Basic Steps for Preparing Your Seeds for Sharing:

• Allow flowers or seed pods to ripen on the plant until they are dry and starting to brown.
• Separate the seeds from surrounding plant material—petals, pods, leaves, stems. You can use a plastic bag to shake the seeds into but do not store the seeds in plastic as they can mold.
• Spread the seeds out to dry.
• Collect the seeds in a paper envelope or other paper wrapping and write the plant name on the outside. Avoid sending or storing seeds in plastic.

For more detailed information on harvesting and saving seeds visit:

Better Homes & Gardens:
How to Save Seeds from Your Garden to Plant Next Year

HGTV.com:
How to Capture and Save Seeds From Herbs and Flowers

Hampshire College, Massachusetts, pages 4-6 (down-loadable PDF)
Haskell Guide to Saving Seeds

See what kinds of seeds have been exchanged in the past (lists are dated by the year the seeds are distributed, i.e. the year following the year collected):

Of course, donations of any and all kinds of seeds are welcome! Plants which have given you pleasure will please others of our members, too, especially in these times of epidemic and fire, when our gardens can be a source of refuge and comfort.