Seattle Tilth’s first ever Early Spring Edible Plant Sale will launch Seattle into what Mayor Mike McGinn and the City Council have proclaimed “The Year of Urban Agriculture.” The event will take place on Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Magnuson Park.

Choose from a wide selection of locally grown organic vegetable plant starts that are ready to plant during the spring season. Rare, heirloom and favorite organic veggie varieties will be the stars of the show. Also available will be culinary herbs, edible flowers, favorite cane fruits, unusual fruiting shrubs, and fruit bearing trees. All of these plants have been chosen by the Seattle Tilth garden experts because they grow well in the Pacific NW climate, helping new and experienced gardeners bear fruitful rewards for their efforts in the garden.

This new event for Seattle Tilth is intended to encourage spring vegetable gardening, a great way to extend the growing season beyond those precious warm weeks of summer, one of the major benefits of our maritime climate for gardeners. The Early Spring Edible Plant Sale in March is the first on the calendar in a series of three sales offered this year by Seattle Tilth. The annual Edible Plant Sale on May 1 and 2 will offer the largest selection of organic edible plants in the region, with a focus on summer crops. Eastsiders can attend the Issaquah Edible Plant Sale on May 22. These plant sales are an important fundraiser for Seattle Tilth, supporting educational programs for families with limited financial resources.

Free talks on seasonal gardening topics will be offered during the plant sale, and garden experts will be on hand to answer gardening questions. People who want to shop early with the best selection are invited to come to the “Early Bird” Pre-Sale on Friday, March 19 from 5:30-7 p.m. by purchasing tickets for $25, helping raise additional funds for Seattle Tilth, or people can work as a volunteer for the event and receive an invitation to the pre-sale.

“For all those who would like to get started gardening this spring, or learn how to grow more food successfully, Seattle Tilth can help. Interest in growing food using organic methods has skyrocketed, and we are offering a wider variety of classes at more locations than ever, all over the city, to meet that interest.”

Celebrate the first day of spring with the gardening community by coming to the Early Edible Plant Sale and get your garden started with healthy plants for your spring garden. Find more information at seattletilth.org.

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