Our Mission:

Our Mission: To enable individuals and communities to take an active part in the cultivation of systems that provide the highest quality fruits, vegetables, herbs and other yields, in a way that benefits themselves, cares for the land and environment, and provides a surplus to use, share and reinvest into the system.

Friday, February 10, 2017

2017 Seed Exchange Super Party

Spring is almost here!
We still have some leftover snow today but that is not going to last long with highs in the 50's today and the next few days!  We still potentially have time for a few more snows, but the official first day of Spring is just around the corner.

With Spring rapidly approaching now is a great time to get together with friends and other gardeners in the area for a seed exchange!

              Abundant Design's    
Seed Exchange                     
               Super Party

WHEN: March 25th, 2017
 10:00am - 2:00pm (times subject to change)

WHERE: Cherry Glen Learning Farm
 3989 NW 94th Ave
 Polk City, IA 50226 (map)

What is a Seed Exchange?
A seed (& plant) exchange is exactly what it sounds like—a forum for swapping out seeds and plants with fellow gardeners, or those aspiring to be.  They allow gardeners to come together and share seeds, cuttings, and transplants from their own gardens to swap with others.  They are a great way to get rid of some of your extra seeds and get something new to grow — all for free!  It's also fun to chat with other gardeners, get some growing tips and build community.
 
RSVP early for all the updates and announcements!


 
EVERYONE is welcome!
This event is for anyone who has seeds or wants seeds.  Expert gardeners.  Beginner gardeners. Aspiring gardeners.  Seed-savers. You. If you don’t have any seeds to swap, still come!  There should be plenty of seed to share with everyone as well as extra seeds available!


 
 Come for the FUN! And Music!

How it works
Everyone brings seeds to the swap and puts the seeds out on the large tables.  Share Tables will make up the majority of the space.  These are where you can place seeds for others to browse and take as needed, and for you to take items to try.  These areas will be free-sharing for all.  There might also end up being a Barter Table.  These tables will be for your rarer items that you would trade if you got another more desired item.  If someone has rare or expensive seeds, they may be more specific in what they will accept in trades, and you can see if the person who brought them is interested in anything you brought.
 

Please do NOT let a lack of seeds to trade keep you from attending!

Usually people just want to share their extra seeds, and they’ll let you take some even if they don't happen to need anything you brought.
 
 
What to bring
You can bring any kind* of seeds/plants to trade: flowers, vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials, bulbs — it doesn't matter. You can bring seeds you've collected yourself or leftover seeds from packets you have purchased.
It’s really pretty easy…
  • Bring any extra seeds that are no more than two or three years old.
  • Store-bought, mail-ordered or home-saved; all seeds* are welcome.
  • If you are bringing seeds you saved yourself, please be sure they are from non-hybrid or knowledgeably hybridized plants, and were saved properly.
  • You can bring the seeds in whatever packaging is easiest for you. If you can, make individual little seed packets for people to take. Please repackage large quantities of seeds into smaller envelopes or plastic baggies. 10-30 seeds are plenty. If you just want to bring your opened seed packet with leftover seeds in it, that's fine, too.
  • If you bring seedlings make sure the plants are healthy and well cared for.
  • Please clearly label all seed packets and plants with the variety name, year and source plus any special instructions or notes (for example, "These seeds need to be soaked before planting" or "My great-grandmother brought these seeds from the Old Country").
  • Little envelopes and a writing utensil so that you can collect and label your “loot”
*please no patented plant cuttings or seeds if against licensing agreements 

 
You do not need to be a seed starting expert — people will gladly share growing tips!

Watch my video for some easy plants to start with:
 
 
Here's a very thorough FREE download for more information on seed saving:
 

2 comments:

  1. Sounds good!!! Hope to be there.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bring your scion wood to trade if you are into grafting fruit trees!

    ReplyDelete