Sierra Seed Co-op, growing fresh fruit and vegetables
Contributed by Amanda Thibodeau
Now that spring is here, many folks in this area are starting to think about planting a garden.  Our climate in the foothills of the Sierras is a little challenging to work in, but luckily we have a host of resources for the gardener and farmer alike.  Today, the focus of the blog is on Sierra Seed Cooperative.  Boasting over 100 varieties from 8 local farms, Sierra Seed Co-op is our very own local seed source.  They also do workshops and are working with The Felix Gillet Insitute to provide heritage fruit trees.  They have been working for several years on regionally adapted heritage seed varieties that do well in our area, which is so important in this time of changing climate and unpredictable weather.  There are a myriad of reasons to choose locally adapted seeds- community relisiency, independence- and of course taste. Just think, you could be planting seed saved by farmers right here in Nevada County.  Or, you could take a workshop ad get started saving your own seed! So what are you waiting for, go check them out!  You can become a member for $25 and receive 6 packets of seeds while supporting this valuable work in our community. They are even doing a “seed csa” where you receive the right seeds to plant at the right times.  Locally, you can find them at Briar Patch Coop, HAALo, Mother Truckers and Natural Selection.
Sierra Seeds Co-O, seed packets
Amanda Thibodeau runs Food Love Project, a Living Lands Agrarian Network Farm on the Burton Homestead and is passionate about food, farming and education.  She is also the Project Coordinator for Live Healthy Nevada County’s Farm to School Program.
© 2013 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Erin Thiem and contributed by Rowen White