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Join a community of growers at a free seed swap event at The Morton Arboretum.
Browse a selection of vegetable, herb, native, and ornamental seeds, and take home a variety to plant this spring.
Bring leftover seed packets or self-saved seeds to share. If you don’t have seeds to offer, come anyway!
All are welcome to attend. See What to Know for details about how the Seed Swap works.
This event is free for Arboretum members and is included with general admission to the Arboretum. Advance registration is required. Attendees may have to wait to enter the event if the room’s capacity is reached.
Before the Seed Swap, explore advanced techniques for Starting Vegetables From Seed in a hands-on educational program hosted by Natasha Nicholes, executive director of We Sow We Grow.
Age: 16 and older
Course number: H157
What to Know
This event is included with admission to the Arboretum. Purchase general admission in advance for Saturday, January 31, and save $2 per ticket when you buy online. Members can always enter the Arboretum without general admission tickets.
The Arboretum offers reduced admission to those who qualify for the Museums for All program.
Attendees may have to wait to enter the event if the room’s capacity is reached.
How the Seed Swap Works
Edible, native, and noninvasive ornamental seeds are all welcome.
You can bring open seed packets from the garden store.
You can bring saved seeds in a clearly labeled baggie or envelope.
Do not bring seeds collected from hybrid plants, as they won’t grow true to type.
Bring seeds that are viable—in other words, not too old! Most seeds will remain viable for two to four years if kept in a cool, dry place, out of the light. Some seeds (onions, leeks, parsnips, celery, spinach) are only good for one year unless stored especially well.
Label seeds with the variety name, the date they were packaged or harvested, and other information that might be useful.
Participating Organizations
The following organizations will have informational tables at the Seed Swap. Stop by to ask your gardening questions and to learn more about their work in the community.
Bolingbrook Garden Club
Chicago Region Trees Initiative
The Conservation Foundation
Downers Legacy Seed Library
DuPage-Kane Extension Master Gardeners
GardenWorks
Sustain DuPage
Trickster Cultural Center
The Urban Canopy
We Sow We Grow
Please note that participating organizations are subject to change up until the event date.
Program Schedule
This program meets during these times; choose your sessions. Pricing is per session.
Section A
Saturday, January 31, 2026, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Arbor Room, Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
Section B
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Arbor Room, Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
