Seed savers know just how quickly containers can become full. Depending on the number of heirloom plants allowed to go to seed, gardeners may collect thousands of viable seeds for the following season. These are the gardeners with the largest amount of seeds to share.
Even new gardeners who do not yet have their stock built up can share seeds with others. The easiest way to do this is to order an extra packet or the next largest size packet of seeds when placing a seed order from seed companies.
Acquiring Seeds
- For heirloom seed savers, acquiring seeds to share with others is as simple as dividing their previously collected stock.
- New gardeners can simply order extra seeds. When placing an order, rather than purchasing a packet of 100 chive seeds, purchase the next size packet of 250. Likewise, 250 snap beans could be replaced with a packet of 500. If it is within the gardener’s budget to do so, ordering extra seeds of each vegetable, fruit and herb will provide a nice selection to share with others.
Packaging
- Seed packets can be made by cutting and taping/gluing business-size letter envelopes to the size needed.
- Letter size envelopes may be used.
- Use the internet as a resource for free printable seed envelopes.
- Purchase small Ziploc-type bags at office supply stores. (Seeds must be completely dry before placing in plastic baggies)
Each seed packet should include 3 things:
- Type and Number of Seeds
- Year Collected and Zone Where Collected
- Planting Tips
Finding People to Share With
This is entirely up to the individual gardener. There are many people and organizations that would be appreciative of receiving food producing seeds.
- Search out community gardening groups. These groups work together to grow food for their neighborhood and also for needy organizations in their area.
- Check with the local homeless shelter. They may have a place set up to grow vegetables.
- Residential treatment centers often allow residents to garden as a part of their healing process.
- Retirement or nursing homes sometimes grow vegetables for residents.
- Public school horticulture departments are always happy to receive a bit of extra help.
- Friends, family and neighbors will be pleased to accept a few seeds and may even trade for some the gardener does not have in their own stock. Consider not only sharing seeds but also helping a new gardener establish a vegetable patch in their own back yard.
Gardeners are typically a sharing, caring group of people. They tend to be community minded. Due to this mind set, creating community gardens or sharing seeds with those who do is something gardeners around the globe do every day.
Whether it is a community of hundreds or a few close neighbors, sharing seeds is easy and rewarding for the gardener who shares as well as those who receive the seeds.
To learn more about community gardening see the articles; “Community Garden Tips” and “Community Gardens Thrive in Urban Neighborhoods”
 |
 |
 |
