Seedy Saturday celebration of garden and community returns Feb. 21

Gardeners, seed savers and nature lovers of all experience levels are invited to Seedy Saturday PEC, a fun, free and community-focused event celebrating seeds, sustainability and growing local knowledge.

Now in its 17th year, Seedy Saturday PEC is the perfect way to kick off planning for the 2026 growing season.

Held at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute (PECI), 41 Barker St., Picton, Seedy Saturday PEC features an abundant seed swap, engaging presentations, local vendors, hands-on learning and family-friendly activities.

At the heart of the event is the ever-popular seed swap table, overflowing with an incredible diversity of seeds. Attendees can expect everything from heirloom tomatoes and unusual squashes to perennial hollyhocks, cheerful marigolds, and cold-hardy native plants such as columbines and hyssop. Visitors are encouraged to bring seeds to share or make a donation in exchange for seeds, though all are welcome to partake, regardless of whether able to contribute
seeds or not.

In addition to the seed swap, there will be local heirloom seed vendors and farmers, talks on seed saving, cultivation and environmental initiatives.

Come with the kids and engage in activities for the little ones. Enjoy lunch by donation made by various chefs and organized by The County Food Hub.

You can attend one or all of the three presentations by local experts.
At 10:30 a.m. learn about the promising Miyawaki Forests with County Garden Club Co-Chair, Lise Bois, and Gerry Jenkison, President of the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists. Learn about the history and importance of Miyawaki forests—dense, fast-growing native forests that restore biodiversity. Lise and Gerry will share their experiences planting these forests across Prince Edward County, including at the Mariners’ Museum, and explain how you can plant one yourself. Gerry will also discuss lessons learned from planting a Miyawaki forest on her own property in Hillier in 2022.

At noon, learn all about Working with Native Plants in Home Landscapes. Bailey Austin-Macmillan, landscape architectural designer and co-owner of Dropseed Native Plant Nursery will discuss how to work with native plants at a practical, DIY scale. Topics will include understanding your site, designing with existing ecologies, promoting biodiversity, and choosing favourite native plants to create beautiful, resilient home landscapes.

At 1:30 p.m. it’s all about Saving Seeds from Your Garden. Presented by Jai (Janice) Wright, published author and avid experimental gardener, you’ll discover what seeds are viable, how to collect, prepare and store seeds from your own plot or from produce acquired from local or heirloom varieties. Jai will cover proper techniques, environmental conditions for success, and plenty of tips and tricks. Bring your questions and get inspired to start saving
seeds with confidence.

Come spend the day and connect with others passionate about local gardening and biodiversity. Whether you’re a first-time gardener, a seasoned grower, or a dedicated seed saver, Seedy Saturday PEC offers something for everyone.

Come learn, share, swap, and get inspired for spring!
Admission is free of charge. Donations are welcome.
For more information, visit: www.seedysaturdaypec.ca