It might feel chilly out there right now, but it won’t be long before temperatures rise and the thoughts of gardeners turn to seed sowing and planting.
In a recent article for BBC Gardeners’ World magazine ‘What to sow from March’, Monty Don explained: “When sowing outdoors, check the soil temperature first to make sure it’s warm enough to sow – it should feel warm on the back of your hand. It needs to be at least 7°C. Look for weed seedlings growing – this is a good sign that the soil is warm enough.”
In the meantime, this is certainly a good time to sort out last year’s seed packets and plan ahead. Many of us might be thinking about a trip to the garden centre, but those in the know might start at the Guille-Allès where a collaboration between a local bank and the Pollinator Project is bearing fruit. Rather than just throw away the old packets and buy new, smart gardeners are going to the Seed Library.
“It’s a great idea that the library has been running for a little while now. We really like being able to donate not just leftover seeds, but those that we have collected ourselves. Some of the best pollinator friendly plants like foxgloves, teasels, verbena, even coriander produce lovely flowers and the seeds are easy to collect. So, we’ve donated them to the Seed Library “said Gordon Steele, Chair of the Pollinator Project.
“Anyone can go in and take what they need and to get started. Best thing is its free and sustainable. HSBC recognised this when they were looking for a campaign to engage members of staff and they’ve started collecting seeds too”.
Abi Paine, Communications Officer at the Guille-Allès Library, added: “The Seed Library has been a popular addition to our service in recent years. It’s a great way for the community to experience the joy of growing their own, and this new collaboration helps ensure that the seed drawers are always topped up so that more people can sow, grow, save and share! We’re very pleased to be teaming up with the Pollinator Project and HSBC, and we’re extremely grateful for their support of the Seed Library.”
“We were very happy to support this local initiative and it was something our team in Guernsey really got behind. We’ve put seed collection boxes in our offices and are extending that to branches so everyone can donate said Mike Fogarty, Relationship Manager. We also got help from Norman Piette to make the boxes.”
