Lower Mainland Seed Hub Farm Site Update

Posted on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 under The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security

We have had an exciting season at our Lower Mainland Seed Hub Farm Site at Fraser Common Farm Co-op. From Summer Camps and Field Days to CANOVI Trials and a new Medicinal Herb Labyrinth, this season has offered many opportunities for learning and community connection. Read on for our season recap.

This year brought both challenges and successes in the garden. Early in the season, we contended with slugs and later with persistent weeds. Despite this, soil fertility improved through mulching and minimal tilling, with yields remaining consistent. Compost tea applications supplemented the soil without additional compost. The CANOVI lettuce trial was partially impacted by deer browsing, reducing the harvest allocated to Langley Meals on Wheels (LMOW). Despite this, useful data was collected. Three types of squash performed particularly well and will provide winter soup for LMOW.

The Medicinal Herb Labyrinth that we built back in March with the help of Rachel, Léa, and Kenzie from Patagonia Vancouver continues to thrive. Seeds collected or to be collected in 2025 include chamomile, arnica, garlic chives, calendula, greater celandine, leopard lily, angelica, Navajo tea, tulsi basil, marshmallow, and ashwagandha. The growing herbs promise another season of vibrant, medicinal plant diversity.

Our two field days in 2025 provided visitors with guided tours of the Seed Hub, sparking conversations about local food and sustainable growing practices. We also hosted a hands-on seed saving workshop during PHABC’s Rise Up! Volunteer program. Participants harvested crops and transformed them into delicious products: tomatillos, onions, and cilantro became salsa verde; tomatoes, corn, onions, and peppers turned into fresh salsa; carrot tops and tulsi basil were made into pesto; immature delicata squash, beets, and carrots were pickled; butternut squash was transformed into a tahini dip.

This summer, our Seed Hub Site hosted summer camps run by Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) in collaboration with Fraser Common Farm Co-op. We joined in to engage campers with hands-on activities exploring soil types and harvesting seeds. Approximately 10 campers participated, enjoying a mix of learning and exploration. Memorable moments included witnessing the excitement of young gardeners as they collected seeds and observed soil in action. The camp continues a tradition of over 10 years, connecting youth with local food systems and sustainable growing practices.

The tomatoes above were bred by Karen Olivier, grown at the Seed Hub Site, and some of the seeds will be used in our 2026 Citizen Seed Trial.

Stay tuned for our upcoming Bitter Harvest Field Day taking place at Fraser Common Farm on October 17, where we will celebrate late-season crops and share more hands-on learning opportunities with the help of the Glorious Organics Team.