Since humans began gathering seeds from forest plants and planting them, we’ve also been exchanging those seeds with each other as a form of trade, barter, or food source sharing. Seed and plant sharing is still a common practice among gardeners and one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the number of plants and foods you grow in your garden! Never hesitate to ask other gardeners if they have plants they are dividing and would like to part with, or if they have collected seed to share.
Many areas of the country have organized plant and seed exchanges. In Portland where I garden there are at least two local exchanges–a Yahoo group PDXPlantSwap and the Pacific Northwest Garden Exchange. If you live outside the pacific northwest, check out Garden Web’s list of worldwide plant/seed exchanges. A great national organization for seed saving and sharing is Seed Savers Exchange. Membership in SSE gives you access to a directory of seed savers from around the world, and it’s an especially great source for rare or heirloom seeds.
You could also organize a plant or seed swap among your friends and neighbors. One friend of mine hosts a seed sharing party in the Spring when she’s putting in new Spring crops. There are always more seeds in a packet then you’ll use that season, so the party is a great way to expand the number of crops without spending more on seeds. Craigslist and Freecycle are also sources of free plants and garden supplies.
Good tips on seed sharing. Another benefit of seed sharing is maintaining genetic diversity.
And think about this… Seed swapping is just another way those clever plants use humans to disperse their seed.
Thanks for the great post! I did my first plant swaps recently and it was a great way to get something interesting for the cost of postage. And the local no-mail options are great to keep in mind.
Thanks for the tips! I actually got about a flat and a half’s worth of Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma) for my front garden from Freecycle. The lady didn’t even need to get rid of it – she just wanted to share her bounty!
i think i will be looking for a swap in my area come spring. i love your blog and all the great ideas. i too am an avid composter and thinking i might like to try and make compost tea. any thoughts on that topic. thanks.
Thanks for the tips! I actually got about a flat and a half’s worth of Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma) for my front garden from Freecycle. The lady didn’t even need to get rid of it – she just wanted to share her bounty!