With the world in such a 'volatile state', Mia Bella Passions is thinking of self-sufficiency.
In the past five years, we have also experienced some extreme weather events in New Zealand.
At that time, I thought a seed bank was a must-do.
Then life got busy, and my seed bank project didn't eventuate.
I've created one now!
Living in a small lakeside community, we have pure water and trout available.
There is native bush around us with many food sources.
Here in 'Mia Bella Passions Garden', we also have a tunnel house and a small plot of land.
On it, there is planted an assortment of citrus, including lime, mandarin, blood orange, grapefruit, tangelo, lemon, and orange.
There's a potato patch, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, passionfruit, strawberries, blueberries, figs, pomegranate, herbs, red guava, tea, curry, stevia, hops and peanuts!
More edibles are being added as we can.
On this list to come are Nashi Pear, apple and cherry trees, raspberries and boysenberries.
Growing our own fruit and vegetables to reduce the cost of the food bill is a goal.
Not only for us, but to share excess with our small lakeside community.
To create a 'DIY Seed Collection Bank', you will need:
A wooden box about 24 x 24cm (9.5 x 9.5 inches) in size.
Card for dividers. I used a craft card 11.4 x 16.5cm (4.5 x 6.5 inch)
A black Sharpie pen, glue, a pencil, and a ruler.
Card to make a label for the front of the box.
To Make:
Prepare the collected dried seeds you already have by placing them in containers such as small envelopes or old medication bottles.
Write the seed name and the date on each container or packet.
I added in the packet-bought seeds I already had.
Create the card dividers. Write in black Sharpie pen, vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs, etc., at the top of each piece of card.
Measure 5cm (2 inches) from the bottom of the card and rule lines in pencil.
Fold the card using the ruler as a guide, as shown, then turn the card to the back side and bend it over again.
This creates a stand-up label.
Place the seeds and dividers in the box.
Make a label for the front of the box, then glue it in place.
Congratuations!
You have now created your own self-sufficiency 'Seed Collection Bank' that you can add more seeds from every season!
Note: Store the 'Seed Collection Bank' in a cool, dry place.
Collection & Storage
'Gardener Scott' tells you everything you need to know about seed collection and storage with this video.
As you will hear him discuss, drying the seeds and correct storage are paramount for success.
Scott's other gardening videos are also very informative.
