How to Host a Seed Swap
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Amanda Sears
County Agent for Horticulture
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
RICHMOND
Abstract
Seed swaps provide a fun, low cost, and highly engaging way to share seeds, build gardening knowledge, and strengthen community connections. The Madison County Seed Swap, held annually in late winter at the Madison County Extension Office, was designed to welcome gardeners of all experience levels. While participants are encouraged to bring seeds to exchange, donated seeds from companies and local retailers ensure that the event remains accessible to anyone interested in gardening.
Program preparation included coordinating with volunteers, securing seed donations, and organizing tables labeled by plant groups. Donated seeds were arranged on tables along with small bags and labels for participants to use. As attendees arrived, they placed their seeds on the appropriate tables. A brief educational presentation introduced the basics of seed saving and general gardening practices. Participants then browsed the tables, selecting seeds and completing labels that documented variety names, seed origins, and other useful information.
Evaluation occurred immediately after the event and again at the end of the growing season. Post program surveys showed that 86% of participants planned to save seeds during the upcoming season, 95% felt better equipped to do so, and 90% intended to use Extension gardening publications shared during the program. End of season evaluations revealed that 55% successfully saved seeds, 100% grew something new or different in their garden, and 67% saw improvements in their garden based on knowledge gained at the Seed Swap.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The availability of donated seeds reduced barriers to participation and broadened the event’s reach. As the first gardening program of the year, the Seed Swap effectively jumpstarts the growing season while fostering community engagement and expanding access to research based horticulture information. This presentation will share practical strategies, templates, and lessons learned to help Extension professionals replicate this successful and inclusive model in their own counties.
Authors: Amanda Sears
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Amanda Sears County Agent for Horticulture, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, 40475