Join a community of growers at this 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. Horticultural experts will be on hand to help with gardening questions. Enjoy how-to gardening demonstrations throughout the swap.
How the Seed Swap Works
Here are some helpful guidelines:
- Edible, native, and noninvasive ornamental seeds are all welcome.
- Bring open seed packets from the garden store.
- 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 seed that is 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.
This event is held in person at the Arboretum.
This event is free for Arboretum members and included with admission for Arboretum guests. Attendees may have to wait to enter the Arbor Room if room capacity is reached.
Age: 16 and older
Course number: H157
