Seed Exchange draws hundreds to plan Spring gardens and brainstorm with gardeners

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -  Hundreds of backyard gardeners came together Sunday to share their experiences and get some new ideas about plantings in 2020. The 12th Annual Santa Barbara Community Seed Swap, took place at the Santa Barbara Central Library.

Those attending brought seeds and came away with other seeds.  There were also plants, cuttings, worms and bees.   

The event was hosted by  Santa Barbara Permaculture Network.

Organizers say they want to make sure locally adapted seeds & plants are passed on to future generations. 

The room also had live music and throughout the three hour event there were speakers to talk about seeds and gardening.

Additional supporters included  Island Seed & Feed, Blue Sky Biochar, Healing Grounds Biodynamic Nursery, and Ojai Center for Regenerative Agriculture.

This year the Local Food Hero   award went  to Kevin Childerley, founder of Santa Barbara Aquaponics. He is an Aquaponics innovator & educator.  hHe says he believes this unique food growing strategy that combines aquaculture and hydroponics, in a closed loop system.