photo by: Kevin Anderson

Seed fair participants had the chance to exchange seeds as well as find new seeds to try in their gardens.

For the third time in as many years, gardeners novice and mature and in between can pick up, exchange and discuss seeds at the Kaw Valley Seeds Project Fair.

The fair, which was visited by more than 1,200 folks last year, runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Building 21 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

I’ve been to the past two fairs and let me just say that it’s absolutely a blast to discuss the spoils of summer in the dead of winter. It’s fun to think of all the things you can grow — Rainbow chard! Black Krim tomatoes! Dwarf curly kale! — once the weather finally takes a turn.

Obviously, this winter is a bit different — local growers are still selling at Cottin’s Farmers’ Market — but that doesn’t mean it’s any less thrilling to find some great seeds and get excited for garden preparation.

Don’t have a garden? It’s still a fun and free event — with music, activities, exhibits, food and education.

Who knows? You might just find you learn enough to try your hand at a pot of herbs or peppers.