As a part of the Southern Ontario Seed Strategy (SOSS), this 6-part video series features seed experts and knowledge keepers as they share some of their best practices for seed saving.
If you are new to native seed saving, these videos will provide an opportunity for you to hear from experts and become inspired to start connecting with native seed. If you are already familiar with native seed saving, these videos may show you more specific tips and tricks to help your current seed practices thrive.
Episode 3: Soil Building
In this episode, Ojibway Knowledge Keeper, Caleb Musgrave, shares some best practices for maintaining healthy soils including composting, practicing the ancient Terra Preta method, and using compost tea.
- 0:13 – How can you build soil with compost?
- 0:56 – Types of compost
- 1:48 – Importance of carbon in compost
- 2:44 – Adding kitchen scraps
- 3:37 – Layering compost and using weeds
- 4:43 – Using a compost thermometer
- 5:33 – Using manure in composting
- 6:26 – What is Terra Preta?
- 7:17 – Benefits of using charcoal with Terra Preta method
- 7:39 – Benefits of using potsherds with Terra Preta method
- 9:24 – How to brew and use “compost tea”
What is seed saving?
Seed saving refers to activities that help scale up the protection and expansion of native seed sources. Many experts and professionals practice seed saving activities, such as tending to seed orchards or collecting native seeds. Seed saving is important because one native plant has the potential to produce hundreds or even thousands of seeds, carrying valuable genes into the future, but millions of plants are needed to support a healthy, resilient landscape.
Working in partnership with native plants, each of us can help safeguard the seeds that are key to a healthy landscape now and for future generations.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for the following episodes:
- Seed Saver Training Episode 4: Grassland Seed Collection at the Alderville Black Oak Savanna
- Seed Saver Training Episode 5: Tree and Shrub Seed Collection
- Seed Saver Training Episode 6: Restoring Relationships to the Land