Payments & Donations

Seed Money For Aurora Seed Farm

In 2020, things got crazy! You remember—we were asked to stay home from work, wear masks, and remain socially distant. But do you remember how this affected the local food systems? Many people lost their jobs completely and had to rely on food pantries to help make ends meet.

Do you remember how this created a seed shortage? A lot of people realized that staying at home could mean attempting hobby gardening. Or they felt drawn to the notion of self-sufficiency. Seed distribution companies were not able to keep up with the demand of the home and community gardeners in addition to market farmers.

As a garden enthusiast and community garden leader, I saw an opportunity for my community to be strengthened. I started the Aurora Seed Library in partnership with the Aurora Public Library. Together we have amassed hundreds, maybe thousands of seeds to give to our local gardeners: they may ‘borrow’ 5 seed packets and “return” them when they are able to harvest the seeds.

How could home and community gardeners know how to harvest seeds?

I have a solution to that too. But I need your help to make it happen.

I am establishing the Aurora Seed Farm in an underutilized community garden located in the heart of Aurora, Colorado. In the 1000 square feet of rented space, we will grow different varieties of tomato, pepper, beans, squash, melon, bitter melon, eggplant, and various flowers. Our measurable goal is 3 pounds or more in seed to donate back to the Aurora Seed Library.

In order to achieve that actionable goal, we will hold volunteer workdays and hands-on classes at no cost. These classes will provide experiential skills to local community members in growing a garden, including how to harvest seeds! We are excited to be able to offer these educational opportunities for free.

I said I would let you know how you can help—Here is my big ask:

Because it is our introductory year, we need some infrastructure put in place. We require irrigation, tools, soil amendments, trellising equipment, and scales to measure harvests, and seed sorting and packaging equipment. Our line budget puts this cost at $3889.00. 90% of these purchases will be re-usable for years to come. So your gift will be one that continues its legacy season after season.

200 people gifting this project $20 would meet our goal.

100 people gifting this project $40 would meet our goal.

You can donate directly via Venmo or Paypal (below) or see our GoFundMe page here.