Seed Swap FAQ

 

Want to know what to expect at a seed swap?

 

The below are general ideas and guidelines about seed swaps.

 

First, seed swaps are fun, informative, and you get to meet people who have the same passion for plants as you do. Imagine it as an old fashioned Facebook for seeds. In keeping with the good spirit of a swap, while it's not necessary to have a one-to-one swap; it's just good practice to try to bring some sort of seeds to share. Usually, one walks out with way more seeds than one came in with, but seed swaps are just that, swaps. Taking more than you can use in a year, more than you need, or taking entire jars of seeds is just bad news - don't be "that person"!

 

Why the heck should I come to a seed swap?
Seed swaps serve so many purposes; not only are they fun, they are a way to meet other gardeners, farmers and seed savers, brush up on new techniques, ask questions, and of course GET NEW SEEDS for your collection. Double bonus for breaking up the winter blues that afflict those of us who love working with the dirt.

When is the seed swap?
Feb. 13th at The Suffolk Community College in Riverhead.

How much is it to go?
It’s free, although donations are gladly accepted.

What seeds can I bring?
You can bring vegetable, flower or herb seeds you have saved that have not crossed with other types (if you do - it will be a bummer for everyone), commercial excess seed from last year, tubers, fruit scions, and bulbs.  Typically, bring seeds that are open-pollinated or seeds that can be saved as "true-to-type". Do not bring hybrid seeds (usually they say on the packet F1) or seeds that are really old and/or will have poor germination.

 

All seeds must be clearly labeled with the following info:  variety name and species (ie. Brandywine, tomato), the year harvested or purchased, a brief description, original source (if saved).

If you are not sure if the seeds you have are OK, someone will be able to help you determine that at the swap.

I have a lot of seeds in jars/bags, what should I do?
Bring whatever you may have and we will help you re-package it into smaller packets with labels. Just mention it when you come in.

What am I not allowed to bring?
Invasives, hybrid F1’s, old seed that won’t germinate, the mean neighbor who no one likes, and pirates.

I am new to seed saving and don’t have any seeds to swap. Help! What do I do?
It’s OK, you don’t need to bring seeds, although we strongly encourage it. You can bring leftover seeds you may have from last years garden. If you don’t have any seeds to share, you will still walk away with seeds to start saving. The number you can take will be very limited, however.

Will you have rare cultivars?
Yes, but these may be limited to folks who bring seed depending on the turn out.

 

What do I bring?

Seeds, a writing instrument like a pen or marker, small envelopes to put the seed in.

 

I don't have alot of seed to share.

That's OK. New folks to seed swaps may not have alot to exchange, but it's a good thing to go and start somewhere.

 

I have seeds but have never been to one of these events before.

Have your seed clearly labelled in bags/jars with the proper name and any info if you saved the seed such as the year saved.

I always try to also have a tag on it where it states the quantity that should be taken.

 

I have no seeds at all, can I still come?

Of course!  We welcome everyone at the seed swap!