Three local events invite gardeners to swap seeds; one includes plants
Got seeds to share? Bring them to one of three area events this Saturday, which is National Seed Swap Day. Kathy Morrison
Wanna swap? When it comes to seeds (and plants), swapping events kick off the gardening calendar as we plan for the seasons ahead – and discover something new.
Saturday (Jan. 25) is National Seed Swap Day, a celebration of that January gardening tradition.
Gardeners from coast to coast will be exchanging seeds from their favorite plants. (Or from their stash of purchased seeds.) There are some rules for saved seeds (such as nothing that’s a patented hybrid plant or illegal). And there are some ways to make it easier to share. Find out more from Seed Savers Exchange, https://seedsavers.org/
From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, the Placer County master gardeners will host their own National Seed Swap Day party at Loomis Veterans Hall. Admission is free.
Bring some seeds, labeled, in envelopes or zippered plastic bags. Then, take some home.
“The seed swap is a fundamental part of human history,” say the master gardeners. “Modern gardeners collect and exchange seeds for many reasons ranging from cultivating rare, heirloom varieties to basic thrift. The exchange of seeds perpetuates biodiversity, too. It is an act of giving and the ultimate form of recycling. Bring labeled seeds to share and take seeds others have brought to share.”
Loomis Veterans Hall is located at 5945 Horseshoe Bar Road, Loomis.
Registration is not required but requested. Sign up in advance here: https://pcmg.ucanr.edu/
The Rancho Cordova Library will be the site of the Sacramento Seed Swap from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday. This is a free event, open to the public.
"Swap and share heirloom and open-pollinated garden seeds, build community, and make our world a little greener," organizers say.
The library is at 9845 Folsom Blvd. in Rancho Cordova. The event's Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1040049391492736
Also on Saturday, swap plants as well as seeds at the Green Leaf Swap Meet and Plant Celebration at Rainbow Park, 6121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Sacramento. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., swap plants and tips while learning more about gardening. Participation is free.
“Join fellow plant lovers for a free day of plant swapping, gardening tips, and community fun,” say the organizers. “Bring your extra plants to trade with fellow green thumbs or simply come to enjoy the festivities. This event is perfect for all levels of gardening experience. Connect with other plant enthusiasts and expand your collection.”
Hosted by Color the Block, free tickets are available via Eventbrite: https://rb.gy/w2wswo
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