Seeds needed for local school

[emily84]

My friend works at a local primary school and one of the ideas they have come up with for the kids is a vegetable and plant patch which they have put my friend in charge of.

The kids are all really excited (as is my friend!) and we thought this was a great idea as it gives the kids a project to work on.

However, after having paid out to get raised beds built and filled, the school are not offering her any further budget for seeds and plants! Seems totally crazy, give them beds but nothing to grow in them!

So I wondered, does anyone know where I can get (pref free) seeds for them?

I have tried the BBC dig in but they're all gone. I have given them my spare seeds including toms, carrots and spinach; but between 50 odd kids this isn't going to last!

Anyone any ideas for websites to try? Or does anyone have any spare which they would be willing to donate?

Thanks guys,

Emily

[organic]

Time for a seed whip-round?

Can you tell us if she had certain things in mind to grow so we can send the right kind of things?

I over-bought (organic) Norli peas (mange tout) so could probably stick a few in the post.
The Organic Gardening Catalogue

I don't know how big the beds are or expect that'll be enough to fill them, but it's a start at least.

[bargainhunter]

Have PM'd you

[zazen999]

I'd ask the parents, local nurseries/garden centers/extended families etc before loads of people on here send any. We already have a waiting list for 'charitable donations' of spare seeds on the seed swap and they really should come first.

I'd also recommend the 'Food for Life Partnership' as the school can then get a growing manual, lots of activity cards and downloads and posters.

[bargainhunter]

OOOh can i have a link for that zazen?

[organic]

It sounds like Zazen's got the best suggestion there.
If nothing comes of it my offer of some mange tout still stands but it sounds like that'll be by far and away the best approach. Especially the food for life one.

[Sanjo]

Emily have pmd you.

[emily84]

I'd ask the parents, local nurseries/garden centers/extended families etc before loads of people on here send any. We already have a waiting list for 'charitable donations' of spare seeds on the seed swap and they really should come first.

I'd also recommend the 'Food for Life Partnership' as the school can then get a growing manual, lots of activity cards and downloads and posters.

Zazen,

Thanks for the Food for Life suggestion, I have passed this onto my friend to enquire further.

She hasn't had much luck with families as a lot of the children live in flats with no gardens and the parents do not bother with window growing; this is part of the reason they have started this project at school. The idea being to teach the kids how things grow, the care they need and, fingers crossed, get them to eat it afterwards!

I have searched the inernet for suggestions but not really had much luck, that's why I thought I'd try you lovely people

Thanks to everyone for your help!

[planesailing]

If your friend does not mind paying the postage of £1.99, 7 packs of seed free from here:

Seeds of Italy - Seeds for Schools

If they don't mind blogging about their growing - might be beneficial? then look here:

VegetableSeeds.net Customer Blog

Potoatoes for schools:

http://www.potatoesforschools.org/

[ginger ninger]

Zazen,

Thanks for the Food for Life suggestion, I have passed this onto my friend to enquire further.

She hasn't had much luck with families as a lot of the children live in flats with no gardens and the parents do not bother with window growing; this is part of the reason they have started this project at school. The idea being to teach the kids how things grow, the care they need and, fingers crossed, get them to eat it afterwards!

I have searched the inernet for suggestions but not really had much luck, that's why I thought I'd try you lovely people

Thanks to everyone for your help!

Have you got a NETTO near you??? They have packets of seeds for 19p each, there's Runner Beans, Peas, Carrots, Salad Leaves, Radish, Beetroot, Broad Beans, Spring Onions, Dwarf Beans not to mention Nasturtium's that can be grown in hanging baskets. So for as little as £2.00 you can have 9 packets of seeds, I've used them and also bought them again for this year and there great. Ask the parents to pop a packet of seeds in there shop the next time they go...much better than a packet of sweets & better for there children.
If you haven't got a NETTO there's always ALDI or Lidl!!

[jackyspratty]

YOu can also post a request on freecycle or freegle as its called here. Might be good for school teacher to do that as collection of a lot of different bits and bobs can be a pain. The school could always ask for donations to be dropped off at the school by locals.
We have a permaculture network here in leeds, you could see if here is one near you and again post a request for seeds or seedlings for the school.

There is also Up a gumtree wheue you coyld post a request either on the freebie section or on the community bit. Also talk to the PTA at the school it sounds like they could be involved too.

You need to publicize it to the parents. If there area few grow your owners then there will always be a glut of seedlings (looks out the window at a rather large amount opf sorrel that has been sown!)

[Bigmallly]

Appologies if already mentioned, are there any allotments nearby where you could have a chat with the growers.

[zazen999]

Food for Life Partnership

[vikinglady]

She can also sign up with the RHS they have just send my garden club (which also has no budget ) about 10 packs of seeds and their school website has loads of really useful information and links to grants.
B&Q also claims that they will help although we were unsuccessful in getting any donation
Good luck

[Sanjo]

Emily have pm'd you.