National Seed Swap Day was made official in 2006 and falls on the last Saturday in January. According to Seed Savers Exchange (www.seedsavers.org), humans have been swapping seeds for over 10,000 years. During 2020, as more people were staying at home, many turned to gardening and now many new gardeners are discovering the benefits, and joy, of seed swaps.
Reasons abound for saving and swapping seeds, from the low cost of obtaining seed to the excitement of finding new plants to grow to wanting to preserve heirloom varieties.
Seed swaps can be done in person or online, and can include saved seeds or excess purchased seeds. Some swaps also have seeds available for purchase from reputable seed companies.
As we celebrate National Seed Swap on Jan. 29 this year, consider attending a local seed swap event, exchange seeds with friends and neighbors or consider organizing an event in your area. Visit www.seedsavers.org/site/pdf/Start-Seed-Swap.pdf to find information on how to start your own seed swap.
