Annual 'Seedy Saturday' event returns to Brockville Public Library Saturday

The Brockville Public Library is hosting its annual “Seedy Saturday” event this weekend. (Jack Richardson/ CTV News Ottawa)

The Brockville Public Library hosted its annual "Seedy Saturday" event this weekend, where members of the community participated in a free seed exchange to get a head start on their gardens for the season.

The event gave participants the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable exhibitors and community groups, including community gardens and horticulture groups.

"I think Seedy Saturday is about learning information and learning how to grow and make it community-based like neighbours helping neighbors again," explained Christina Eady, an eco-innovator with the Brockville Public Library.

"Seedy Saturday" began in 2015 and organizers say it has grown tremendously over the years, allowing it to include more local enthusiasts who can share their expertise.

Gregory Rankie runs Leacock Farms, about 25 kilometers north of Brockville, on a part-time basis, and says events like this are important for his farm to grow.

"These events are everything to us,” he explained. “The community can come out and get some seeds and get some knowledge. I love it."

The library says the goal of “Seedy Saturday” is to make people more comfortable growing their own food to avoid buying overpriced produce from grocery stores.

But if participants end up growing too much food, representatives from the Brockville Food Bank were there to remind them what to do with the excess.

"If you have an abundance of food -- fruits, vegetables, herbs -- we will gladly take them over the summer and we can distribute them to our visitors," said Amanda Patch, operations manager at the Brockville Food Bank.