Participate in National Seed Swap Day

Celebrated annually around the end of January, National Seed Swap Day is a great opportunity for gardeners to explore new plants, save money on seeds, support biodiversity, and encourage heirloom cultivation. Kathy Jentz, editor and publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine, came up with the idea to start Seed Swap Day. The first official event was held on January 26, 2006. Now, the seed swap has gone national, and it is celebrated across the country, bringing gardeners together and celebrating the power of community nationwide. 

This is a great time to begin gathering seeds, since spring planting season is almost upon us. Many gardeners prefer to start their seeds inside before planting outdoors, so attending a seed swap can help you get a head start on spring garden planning. For more information about the holiday, visit the National Seed Swap Day website. Local gardeners or garden centers will likely have information about any swaps in your area. 

If you plan on attending an event to celebrate, be sure to do your research beforehand. Some seed swaps have rules for how seeds are transported and handled, and it is important to abide by them. Happy gardening!