More Than Just Seedlings

What exactly IS Sovereign Starts? What do you guys DO? 

Short answer? We are a mission disguised as a business and we do a lot more than just sell seedlings. It is not always easy to answer this straightforward question, because, unlike many businesses, we are not solely driven by profit as a motive. So, we are going to give this question the attention it deserves, and explain a little more about all the hats we wear as a mission-driven business. 

What IS Sovereign Starts? At the beginning of the growing season (Feb - May), we are a humble plant nursery, operating out of the basement of the McKinley Neighborhood building. We start seeds and nurture the little plants until they are strong enough to be planted outside. We then sell these starts online and at Farmers Markets in the Twin Cities Metro Area to at home gardeners. 

Young seedlings sprouting at the McKinley Neighborhood Building.

Another part of our work (May - Oct), is facilitating and collaborating with community gardens in North MInneapolis to help plant and grow food for free. We help by providing resources, labor, connections and organization throughout the summer to communally grow and share food. With the help of friends and community, last year we collectively grew over 1,000 pounds of food in 3 different gardens on the Northside. All of this food was shared freely. This part of our “work” is one of the pillars of our mission; grow food together. We are motivated by the connections and friends we have formed by working together, growing food for ourselves and neighbors. We are empowered by this collective reclamation of food production and want to share that excitement with everyone. 

Growing free food in community. 1411 Queen Ave garden.

The third component of our work are the free events we offer (year-round). We believe that resilient communities are built on skill, knowledge and resource sharing. Over the years we have offered over 30+ workshops and classes that encourage people to gather, share and learn together. We also believe that gardens are a place for communities to gather and celebrate. Which is why we also help facilitate garden parties that provide free food, music and entertainment for the whole family. 

Gathering and celebrating at the Old Highland Peace Garden!

So there you have it, the blueprint for the Sovereign Starts mission, as it currently stands! As you can see, the business of seedling selling is only one facet of what we do. While the profits generated by our sales provide valuable support to the community garden world, our involvement extends beyond just donating to the cause. Much of the benefit is also generated through networking with and participating in a highly inspired and motivated community.

We hope that this helps shed some light on the mission behind the business. If you still have questions, please reach out. Or better yet, join us in getting our hands dirty in the garden! We would love to share our riches with you as we plant, grow and feast together.