Seedy Saturday is not one event, but a series of independent local events, which have sprung up across the country in the past twelve years.

They bring together home gardeners, seed savers, native plant collectors, agriculture conservation groups, and community gardeners as well as local seed companies that sell open-pollinated varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers, grains and herbs.

The event began in 1989 in Vancouver and has spread across Canada, giving people a chance to come together to learn more about seed saving and biodiversity conservation. These local seed swaps are a great place to meet people who share an interest in heritage seeds.

You can find help for your garden, swap your favourite seeds with other gardeners, and buy open-pollinated heritage seeds and plants which have not been genetically engineered, and which have been selected over many generations to grow well in your local conditions.

To find out how you can encourage biodiversity in your own backyard, attend the Everdale Seedy Saturday taking place in Erin on April 28. This event is co-sponsored by Seeds of Diversity Canada, a non-profit group of gardeners and farmers whose goal is keep the best plants that generations of gardeners have treasured.