Growing native plants from seed is a great way to produce a lot of plants inexpensively and to protect the genetic diversity of Maine native plants. (Photo courtesy Wild Seed Project)
Growing native plants from seed is a great way to produce a lot of plants inexpensively and to protect the genetic diversity of Maine’s native plants. Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is offering a hands-on workshop on “Growing Native Plants from Seed” on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Sheepscot General Store and Farm, 98 Town House Road in Whitefield. Heather McCargo, founder and director of Wild Seed Project, wildseedproject.net, will explain how the germination requirements of native seeds are different from those of common garden and vegetable plants, and why fall is a great time to sow native seeds.
Participants will get hands-on experience in native plant propagation from germination techniques to seed collection and storing procedures. The workshop will cover the sowing of wildflowers, ferns, shrubs, and trees, with an emphasis on outdoor seed sowing in pots or growing beds. In addition, there will be a demonstration of how to make “seed bombs” to revegetate neglected areas with natives.
The cost of the workshop is $30 for Wild Seed Project members and $20 for nonmembers, and includes seed, four pots per person, potting soil, and all instruction. Participants are welcome to bring seeds of native plants that have been collected. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Hildy at 596-2040, hildy@knox-lincoln.org, or register online at knox-lincoln.org/wild-seed. Space is limited; register by Monday, Oct. 23.
