Edible Ottawa

The Seed Farmer

• Photo by Amy Zambonin

• Growing vegetables and flowers for their seeds is a laborious process. Catherine June Wallenburg, shown top left, uses rigorous scientific methods to avoid cross-pollination and tests for traits that will ensure the plants will thrive in our northern climate, taste great and have a high germination rate. That means that any new product she sells takes several years to come to market.

• Seed extraction can take many forms, from soaking and fermenting tomato seeds to drying and threshing flower seeds.

• Wallenburg grows more than 70 varieties of vegetables and flower seeds, which are available on her online store. During the summer of 2020, she grafted 26 apple trees and awaits delivery of seven plum, 11 more apple and a pair of pear trees. She's also adding 10 saskatoon berry and 10 currant bushes.