John Barlow from the Bega Valley Seed Savers holding a Pink Bumble Bee tomato seedling
22 October 2025
The Bega Valley Seed Savers and Bega Valley Shire Library are inviting the community to roll up their sleeves, slip on their gardening gloves and participate in its One Seed One Community project.
Library Learning and Engagement Officer, Sugita Wahl said the Pink Bumble Bee tomato won the Bega Valley Seed Savers Tastiest Tomato Competition last summer.
"The Bega Valley Seed Savers aim to increase the seed stock of this delicious tomato, sharing it with seed saving groups across the country so even more people can enjoy it.
"Between Monday 27 October and Saturday 1 November, free seedlings and a growing guide will be given to participants from any of the shire's libraries.
"There is a limit of one seedling per person and two seedlings per family, growing group, school or farm.
"Participants will be able to grow the tomatoes at home and then contribute some of their harvest back to the seed bank via our libraries.
"The Bega Valley Seed Savers are also planning some free tomato seed saving workshops in February to teach participants how to preserve their seeds. These will be promoted closer to the time."
Ms Wahl said seed saving is a simple joy that connects you with the natural abundance of food growing and you don't need to have a green thumb to participate.
"Participants can connect with each other, ask for advice and share their progress through the One Seed One Community Facebook page."
The Bega Valley Seed Savers is a volunteer group dedicated to growing and saving the seeds of non-hybrid and heirloom varieties of mostly edible plants.
It is part of a national seed savers network that promotes and supports local networks to save, sort, dry, share, store, and distribute seeds.
