The BBC’s Dig In programme is asking people to apply for a “free Dig In pack, containing seeds for five easy-to-grow veg varieties, full instructions and stickers.” A nice enough idea, but why not take the opportunity of promoting some rare and endangered heirlooms? Not everyone is content with easy-to-grow…
LATER: News of another British planting material give-away just out…
Maybe because even giving away unregistered varieties is not permitted under UK and European law? And while there are some old varieties — which might be construed as heirlooms — of their chosen five (actually, I can’t remember whether basil needs to be registered) on the Common Catalogue, sourcing enough for even a moderate response from readers could be very difficult.