The days are getting longer, the buds are getting bigger, and the weeds are starting to spread. This can only mean one thing – garden season is upon us!

To kick things off on a high note, we are organizing a seed swap and potluck on Sunday, March 1 from 3-5pm in the MIXX 96 community room (corner of State and Washington, downtown Olympia).

The event is the coming out party for the newly launched Urban Agriculture Project of Sustainable South Sound (formerly the Sustainable Community Roundtable). We launched this program to capitalize on the increasing interest in growing more organic food in our urban areas in order to enhance community food security, reduce our carbon footprint, and build a stronger community.

So, here’s how the event will work: 1) Everyone should bring their own plates, cups and utensils and a dish to share (preferably organic, healthy food; perhaps something you froze, canned or dried from last year’s harvest?). We’ll provide the beverages. 2) Bring any extra seeds that you wish to swap or share, and envelopes, small jars, or other containers to take other people’s surplus seeds home in.

There will be no formal program, but we will share some information about the Urban Agriculture Program and our success in encouraging the city to allow our parks and open space to be used to grow organic food for the community. We will also give everyone a chance to share with the group what they are planning for this garden season, what they need help with, what they are willing to share, and how we can work together to create a more vibrant network of urban gardeners.

We look forward to seeing you on March 1