National Seed Swap Day

Although people have been swapping seeds probably since time began, people these days are more likely to buy seeds from catalogs or shops. Sadly, the age-old skill of swapping seeds seems to be disappearing from modern culture.

However, this day is working to reclaim this loss. And those budding or avid gardeners out there who enjoy growing new plants will certainly appreciate and enjoy National Seed Swap Day!

History of National Seed Swap Day

The first official Seed Swap Day was held on 26th January 2006, in Washington DC. The idea for founding the day came from Kathy Jentz, the editor and publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine.

The event was a roaring success and has grown in size and scope, so much so that it is now considered to be a national ‘day’. National Seed Swap Day has been celebrated annually now for more than 15 years, not only in the Washington, DC area but also in other cities throughout the nation and even internationally.

National Seed Swap Day is a day where gardeners can come together and trade the seeds from their best plants, bringing their own seeds to share and taking home the seeds that others have to offer. This can be any type of seeds that range from flowers to vegetables to fruit and more.

This activity of seed swapping is not only great for the community aspect, for saving money, and for reducing waste, but it’s also a super opportunity to improve biodiversity in the local area. The timing of the day is impeccable as it happens just before the time when, in most areas of the US, it’s time to start planting seeds indoors to get them ready to go outside when the spring weather warms.

How to Celebrate National Seed Swap Day

Show some community spirit and enjoy the excitement of digging in the dirt by celebrating National Seed Swap Day! Get involved with the day by implementing some of these ideas:

Host a Seed Swapping Party

Why not have a National Seed Swap Day party with a range of friends, family members and neighbors? It’s a great time to invite random people to come together who might not have anything else in common, but can meet over the shared interest of gardening. Everyone should bring some of their own seeds to swap, of course, and perhaps try breaking away from the usual and swap them with an heirloom variety instead.

When hosting a seed exchange, encourage participants to label their seeds and then separate them into vegetables, flowers, herbs and miscellaneous. It’s even possible to get folks to make a donation for their seeds, passing the money on to a local charity that supports families with food insecurity or another good cause.

Other fun activities to include in an event for National Seed Swap Day might include door prizes, goody bags, planting tips, expert speakers, indoor plant cutting tables and so many others!

Visit the Original Seed Swap

Those who live or will be visiting the Washington DC area in late January can participate in National Seed Swap Day by attending one of the events in at least two different locations. It is important to know that space is limited, so be sure to register in advance on the official website to hold a spot! 

Do Some Garden Planning

National Seed Swap Day is not only a good time to get some new seeds to plant, but also to share ideas, tips and tricks that go along with gardening in the local area. Ask around with other gardeners to find out their favorite places to plant certain varieties. Get some advice on new ideas to inspire creativity either in a flower garden or a vegetable garden. Once home, with all of those new seeds in hand, get started on drawing up and planning out the garden for the coming year!