James-David Sneed, a producer of garden and farm seed for 40 years, will conduct a seed-saving workshop on Sunday, October 24, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Oddfellows Hall (112 Haven Rd) in Eastsound.

Sneed has raised and tested seeds from Alaska to Oregon, and specializes in discovering better ways to raise food in cool, damp and changing climates. The workshop is designed both for beginners and those with more experience, and will offer hands-on practice with actual seed pods from many different types of vegetables, grains and some fruits.

This workshop will emphasize concepts of planning ahead, timing, seed selection, dryness, cleaning and storage. There will be lots of opportunities for questions and answers.

Voluntary donations will be accepted at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

“Gardening should be as free as possible, unrestricted by the high cost of tools, seeds, books and classes,” Sneed said. “Saving your own seeds will make it easier to grow varieties suited to your local conditions, and is a great step towards real food security.”

Locally grown seeds will be available to participants at the workshop. For more information, call Sneed at 376-4048.