The seed exchange is now open
'Everything begins with a seed' by Eleanor Tracy
SEEDS
The 2024-25 seed exchange is now open
Look out for details in our magazine "The Cottage Gardener"
Open to members only
Seed Exchange 2024/2025 is now open
As a CGS member you may apply for seed and also, of course, donate it. Please send any seed collected from your garden that you wish to donate to our seed exchange manager, Margaret Mason, by the end of October (address below). Remember that seed donors are entitled to an extra allocation! If you would like a seed list, sent out usually in early December, request an emailed copy from seeds@thecgs.org.uk, or a paper list (sending a fairly large SAE to M Mason, Nye's Cottage, Southwater Street, Nr Horsham, RH13 9BN) by 15th November to ensure receiving it in the first batch. Lists can be sent later but NB that some seed runs out very quickly.
When you order seed, you must include your membership number as the scheme is only open to CGS members. Non-members may, however, find it worth their while to join in order to take advantage of this aspect of membership, and if so this is possible until the beginning of October. Annual membership is only £15 and the admin charge for receiving seeds is £5 (UK) – the seeds themselves are free.
Seed List
The list is no longer included with the magazine, so if you would like one you need to request it. Either email seeds@thecgs.org.uk for an emailed copy, or send a fairly large SAE to the seed exchange manager at the address given above (also in the magazine, on the contacts page).
Please note: only CGS members may apply.
Short-viability Seed List
These seeds, which will only germinate if sown fresh, are available now, within the UK only. To order please send a SAE and a note of what you want; they will be deducted from your allowance when you place your main order later. If you don't intend to place a later order, please send your £5 admin charge with your SAE. Orders from this list close 15th November 2023.
Aconitum ex 'Ivorine' (or similar)
Aconitum napellus
Allium hollandicum ex 'Purple Sensation'
Allium karataviense
Allium karataviense ex 'Red Giant'
Allium siculum
Anemone nemorosa (Wood anemone)
Angelica sylvestris (Wild angelica)
Angelica sylvestris ex 'Vicar's Mead'
Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow parsley)
Astrantia major
Astrantia major ex 'Alba'
Chaerophyllum azoricum
Clematis alpina
Clematis tangutica
Eryngium agavifolium
Eryngium bourgatii
Eryngium planum
Fritillaria meleagris (Snake's-head fritillary)
Fritillaria meleagris mixed
Helleborus x hybridus
Papaver cambricum (Welsh poppy)
Smyrnium olusatrum
Smyrnium perfoliatum
Seed Distribution
One of the many advantages of being a member of the CGS is having the delightful task, in the depths of winter, of choosing several packets of seed from a list of around 1000 varieties. Send off your order, with a small admin charge, and come February your seeds will be with you! It's just as much fun to collect seed in summer and autumn and send it in for other members to choose from (and it will earn you an extra allocation, too).
This is how it works: members collect seed (including flowers, herbs and vegetables) as it ripens, clean it, name it and pack it so it can't escape while in the Post Office's ungentle hands, and send it off to the seed manager. She checks to see if it's what it says it is (as far as she can), checks the name, and puts all seed from each species or variety together in a large envelope. When all is in, she compiles a list of everything there is and numbers it, then sends this out to those who have requested it.
As the orders come in, the seed manager makes up individual packets of each type ordered (until it runs out), and sends the orders off in batches as she completes them. Donors get priority and should mostly receive their seeds in January.
When all orders are completed, the remaining seed goes off to be packeted for shows during the summer.
Meanwhile, the fun for members is sowing the seeds and waiting to see what comes up...we hear it's sometimes a surprise, but that can be fun too!
Short Viability Seed List
The list appears on the website under 'Seed Lists' in August and is updated at least twice before it is taken down and the remaining seeds amalgamated with the main collection. These are seeds which do not keep well and are best sown in autumn, so do check this list, and order from it if you are interested in anything included, by sending the seed manager a list of requests by email (seeds@thecgs.org.uk). The number of packets you receive will be deducted from your main order later. If you do not intend to place a later order, please send your order by post and include the £5 admin charge.
All orders from this list must be received by 15th November, when the seeds are added to the main batch.
Sow the seeds as soon after you receive them as possible, keep cool and moist, and don't expect full germination until next spring (though some may come up). If nothing emerges, it's worth keeping them for a second winter.