History

From small beginnings……

Brighton and Hove Seedy Sunday began in 2001, when two members of Brighton and Hove Organic Gardening Group went on holiday to Vancouver, Canada.

There they happened upon a seed swap, organised by Sharon Rempel of Saltspring Seeds. The Brighton gardeners were so impressed that when they got back to England they persuaded a group of fellow growers to help organize a similar event. The result, the UK’s first ever seed swap, took place in St George’s Hall, in Kemptown in Brighton, in February 2002.

Seedy Sunday at Hove Town Hall

The event has grown

Since then, though still run entirely by volunteers, the venue has changed, first to the Old Market in Hove then to the bigger Hove Town Hall and then to the iconic Brighton Dome Corn Exchange. While the Corn Exchange is being refurbished we are very grateful to be hosted by BHASVIC

The event has grown to include talks, demonstrations, children’s activities, a cafe and a vibrant market place with over 50 stalls.  But at heart it remains a community seed swap: a place where experienced and aspiring growers share seeds for the following year’s crop and tips on how to grow them.

For many it marks the start of the gardening year – we come out of hibernation and reconnect with old friends and make new ones. It really has become an event for gardeners and aspiring gardeners of all ages and abilities – we laughed when James Wong tweeted that there were more check shirts at Seedy Sunday than in a Brick Lane Coffee shop!!

The event could not take place without the generous sponsorship from Infinity Foods. Every year they offer both financial and practical support including distributing seed packets and a fantastic window display in their shop in January.

We are proud that over the years we have helped many other towns and villages start their own seed swaps. If you would like to list your seed swap on our site please contact us via the contact page.

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