The Comox Valley Seed Bank’s volunteer growers did three things for future generations last year:
1. They grew all around the Valley different vegetables to see which ones are outstanding performers;
2. They amassed to 1,000 seeds the 2019 winners (tested in 2018), and;
3. They grew in their gardens many other varieties to see which ones perform well year after year.
Tried and true, tasty and continuously tested against varying climatic conditions, it is hoped these locally adapted seeds will feed generations to come.
At the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, Isaiah Lepine and his younger brother, Elijah were happy to show off one of the 2020 winning vegetables, the Canadian crookneck butternut and the 2017-winning spaghetti squash. Reportedly originating among the Iroquois Nations and introduced for sale in 1834, the Canadian crookneck produces three weeks ahead of the Waltham butternut. It became less popular when trains started to transport produce because its distinctive long neck tended to break off.
Today, the Comox Valley can enjoy its tasty fruits again. Other 2020 winners are the Rocdor yellow stringless bush bean, Lucy’s early pinkies (developed here in the Valley) and true tomato-favored Baselbieter Roteli (affectionately called the BBR) cherry tomato. Seeds of these winners will be amassed to 1,000 seeds this year.
The CV Seed Bank needs more growers in order to continue running all three amazing programs. Please visit the Seed Bank table at Seedy Saturday, March 7 at the Florence Filberg Centre between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to sign up or receive more information. Seeds of some of the past winners and candidates will be available for sale too. Contact cvseedbank@gmail.com.