The Great American Seed Up

The Great American Seed Up returns to North Phoenix Baptist Church for its first live event since March of 2020. The seventh-annual Great American Seed Up is slated for Friday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For the first time ever, the event will feature a live stream at fb.com/GreatAmericanSeedUp with host Terra Rose Ganem of Brilliant Planet .

This unique and popular pop-up seed bazaar offers well-known garden varieties in a bulk seed format where customers can scoop up as many seeds as they want from popcorn buckets. An easy tally sheet and properly sized teaspoons or cup sizes allow patrons to quickly record how many portions they have scooped and move on to the next variety. This one-of-a-kind purchasing option eliminates the high cost of packaging, printing and mailing so that seeds can be dramatically discounted.

Whether online or in person, seed sold at the Seed Up is land-race and heirloom, meaning it reproduces “true to type” and is known for its adaptability to different regions and climates. These qualities make for great seed stock from which to save seeds. Whatever gardeners can grow in their region with seed from any other company, they can grow successfully from the Seed Up, but at a drastically reduced price.

Seed varieties include a large number of tried-and-true vegetables, herbs, beans, greens, grains and flowers, including some newcomers to the Seed Up. This year, Morris Collards, Florida Highbush Eggplant, Southern Giant Curled Mustard, Yellow Sweet Spanish Utah Onion, Black From Tula Tomato and a new Marigold Mix will join the marvelous lineup of choices.

Additionally, the Great American Seed Up is featuring virtual workshops and presentations from which to choose. All education will be available online allowing the Seed Up to focus on efficient turnarounds at the event, minimizing contact and allowing for social distancing. New this year, the Seed Up will host a virtual live Q&A so that everyone has a chance to have their seed questions answered.

Tickets are $7.50. They include access to the Seed Up and a large array of educational webinars, podcasts and Seed Up Saturday recordings. Limited tickets will be sold for specific time slots, so patrons should plan on registering early to secure the slot of their choice.

Tickets are available at GreatAmericanSeedUp.org.