As a long-time bumbling and small-scale Seattle gardener, I always looked forward to the annual edible plant sale sponsored by Seattle Tilth in Meridian Park. For me and a few thousand of my close gardening friends, it signaled the true beginning of the growing season—right around the time when it is finally warm enough to leave the tomato starts outside to harden. Like almost everything else that adds happiness (and way too many zucchinis) to the margins of life, the plant sale was taken away from us for the last two years.
But happily: IT’S BACK! Seattle Tilth Alliance has announced that the edible plant sale will return for the first time since 2019, in its usual location (Meridian Park) and around its usual time (May 7-8). There is also an Early Bird Sale on Friday, May 6, see details below.
The adjacent Good Shepherd P-Patch community garden, where I maintain a plot, will have its bake sale up and running in concert with the sale. There are some awfully good bakers who garden there. We like to think of it as the best way to turn yummy baked items into compost—just not the way you probably think of that particular process. This event is the primary fund raiser for the p-patch each year.
The Tilth Alliance edible plant sale has steadily grown in popularity, and with more people trying their hands at gardening over the calamitous last two years, expect big crowds. Note the admissions process and requirements described below. But add it to your calendar, and on a more pragmatic note, anticipate heavy traffic in the ‘hood on that weekend. Wallyhood will send out a reminder just before.
From the Seattle Tilth Alliance website:
Shop our Edible Plant Sale and choose from the largest selection of organically, sustainably and locally grown vegetable plant starts in the Puget Sound region! This year we’re excited to offer even more new varieties to add to your growing garden.
Plants offered at the Edible Plant Sale are the best varieties to grow successfully in our Pacific Northwest climate. You’ll find an amazing selection of tantalizing fruits and veggies to choose from, as well as culinary herbs, edible flowers, pollinator plants, and even gardening supplies that will help maximize your harvest all year round.
Edible Plant Sale — Key Details
- Get early access! Join the Early Bird Sale to shop on Fri., May 6; 5-7 p.m.
- Shopping continues on Sat.-Sun., May 7-8; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Sale will be held in-person at Meridian Park (4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., 98103).
- Capacity in the main sale space will be managed via staggered entry with wristbands.
- Face masks are required to be worn by all attendees, volunteers, staff and vendors.
- Stay tuned for more details!
Early Bird Sale: Friday, May 6; 5-7 p.m.
Help support Tilth Alliance’s mission by joining the Early Bird Sale on Fri., May 6; 5-7 p.m. for early access to the Edible Plant Sale. Buy tickets here for this early bird sale.