Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

The Great American Seed Up is once again setting up shop in Phoenix. The only “pop-up” seed market in the world will be returning to the North Phoenix Baptist Church at 5757 N. Central Ave. The event features over 100 varieties of seeds for purchase and educational seed classes throughout the day.  When seeds are grown, saved and replanted locally, they accrue amazing benefits—hardier crops, more pest-resistance and tastier food.

On Friday, doors are open for seed buying from 5 – 9 p.m. Featured speaker, Kimber Lanning of Local First Arizona will discuss the importance of local, healthy food systems and share the benefits of seed saving. Saturday morning registration begins at 10 a.m. and doors close at 2 p.m. Attendees can participate in several mini classes throughout the day. Presentations will include; how to save seeds and patenting issues that compromise our ability to save seeds; starting seeds; and how to properly store seeds.

“We have come a long way in the local food movement,” says Greg Peterson, co-founder of the Great American Seed Up, founder of The Urban Farm and a local seed saver. “Now it is time to link up locally saved seeds as the foundation of our local food system. Seeds typically come from thousands of miles away, and often have nothing to do with our extreme climate and desert needs.”

The event will feature a seed bazaar overflowing with bulk quantities of popular open-pollinated, non-gmo vegetable, wildflower, flower and herb seed varieties available at deep discounts. The Great American Seed Up has eliminated the expense of packets, printing and packaging seeds, passing the savings on to attendees.  New varieties are added every year. This year added selections include: more vegetables (especially tomatoes), grains, flowers, and now even some cover crops. This event is a boon for all seed growers and lovers, from professional Community Supported Agriculture farmers to home gardeners. Families, community groups and interested individuals are welcome to shop for seeds and take in seed knowledge firsthand from expert presenters.

All varieties for sale are specially chosen for their ability to thrive in hot, dry desert climates. Many are the same varieties sourced by the top seed companies but available at the “Seed Up” at a quarter of the cost.

Pre-registration is $7.50 per day which covers entry fee, classes, access to all seeds for sale and three recorded seed classes for download. The public can register at GreatAmericanSeedUp.org. The Great American Seed Up is presented by Seed Savers, Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, The Urban Farm, and The Micro Farm Project