Seedy Saturday grows even bigger

Fancy Farmerettes, Veronica Tunzi (left) and Irene Kicak, provide ‘upscale products promoting sustainable living for hobby farmers and eco-minded enthusiasts’ from their north Norfolk farm. Honey bee products were front and centre at Waterford Seedy Saturday on the weekend, but they also sell poultry products, seasonal vegetables and hemp and switchgrass products. ‘When you connect with us, you become part of our amazing Norfolk County community.’ 

Brenda Moser

Advocate Correspondent

Nothing warms a garden lover’s heart like a reminder that spring is just around the corner.

It may have been cold – make that very cold – on Saturday, Feb. 7th, but it didn’t stop folks from turning out in droves for a very successful Waterford Seedy Saturday Garden and Homestead Market at Waterford District High School.

What started out three years ago as a small event and a seed exchange has, pardon the pun, grown significantly in just a short time. A sure sign of the times that more people are interested in growing some of their own food and drawing on the expertise of those in the know.

Organizers Jennifer Thompson and Heidi Mungal should be very proud of the turnout for this year’s event. A huge thank you as well goes to Minor Brothers for their support and sponsorship of this event. With over 65 vendors there was something of interest for any and all gardeners. Both gyms at WDHS were packed with like-minded gardening lovers looking for a break from the frigid temperatures we’ve been experiencing.

While there was no charge to get into Seedy Saturday, they were accepting donations to the Waterford and District Food Cupboard and the shelves will be a lot fuller thanks to those who came out for the event. Last year about 200 pounds of canned goods were collected as well as about $900 in monetary donations.

Presentations by guest speakers offered tips on composting, winter sowing, growing in the shade, edible wild plants, growing mushrooms and fruit tree planting and pruning. All of the information sessions were well attended and many questions were answered. It was certainly a bonus to have such knowledgeable speakers sharing what they know and answering questions.

People want to know more about where their food comes from and how they can even grow their own. There is a lot to be said for ‘from field to table’ and it doesn’t matter how big or how small your ‘field’ might be.

Visitors had a chance to grab a coffee and even some hot food while browsing. There were also a number of door prizes to be won and everyone received tickets as they entered the event.

Co-hosts Thompson and Mungal were pleased and overwhelmed by the positive response on Saturday.

“We made some changes from last year and all of these changes were well received. We were busy all day and that makes me happy… everybody was getting a lot of exposure,” said Thompson. “The guest speaker sessions were standing room only. Next year we will stagger times to allow visitors to take in more of the free lectures.

“We collected about $700 in monetary donations and had several SUV’s full of non-perishables for the Food Cupboard. Our 50/50 draw brought in $360 with the funds raised going towards the Technology Programs at WDHS… a real win/win for everyone.”

With the 2026 Seedy Saturday Garden and Homestead Market just under their belts, Thompson and Mungal are looking toward a 2027 event.

“Be sure to save the date… Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, because we will be back. We are building for next year already.”