SEED SWAP!

By HARRIS COUNTYPRECINCT 4

 Let’s face it: most of us are seed hoarders. Sifting through your collection of viable seeds and sharing them with a neighbor is a great way to grow your collection and help someone else do the same.

A seed swap is a fun way for gardeners to increase the diversity of their flower and vegetable gardens and exchange tips and tricks. Meet at an outdoor venue like a community park. On the day of the event, bring nametags, plenty of markers, and small paper sacks or envelopes to share and swap seeds. If the gathering is small, friends can hang out and tell stories about prize broccoli and heirloom tomato seeds, and those interested can take what they need.

If the gathering is large, we suggest having labeled bins on a few tables. Gardeners can leave their bags of labeled seeds in the appropriate bins, and guests can sort and sift for what they want during the event.

A few additional tips: • Decide ahead of time if your event is open to all or only to those who bring seeds to share as an “entry fee”.

Be sure guests label each seed envelope with the date saved, variety name, basic growing instructions, and contact information for any questions (optional).

• Advertise in your neighborhood newspaper, on the NextDoor app, or on your community Facebook page.

• Create a sign-in at the event for those interested future swaps.

• Have a plan for leftover seeds at the end of the event; we suggest finding a community or school garden that would love your donation.

• Recommend seeds that have been saved within the last two years for higher germination rates.

• Encourage people to bring heirloom varieties, as hybrid seeds are not ideal for seed saving over time.

• Native varieties are preferred to endure our region’s growing seasons.

• Encourage participants to bring cuttings and rootings too, as there’s room for more than seeds. Have fun and happy swapping!