Public libraries and botanical gardens (and more) may keep seed exchange catalogs. They may also host events for seed exchanges among groups. Search online for seed libraries and seed exchanges near you to locate opportunities for finding free and interesting seeds to include in your garden this year.
Our library does this! Our porch is crap for growing things that don’t thrive on blazing heat and a mix of high UV for 4-5 hours per day and shade, but it always makes happy to see what they’re offering up. There’s a cool local wildflower conservation org that partners with them and other libraries here.
If you haven’t asked them, I bet that organization would have some recommendations for your patio plight.
They might! I wish their location was more accessible by public transit, but it’s a 20+ minute hike from the nearest stop 😩
Originally seed libraries were banned in Pennsylvania but courts ruled that they are not illegal .
I’m glad it has been resolved. Hopefully there aren’t any lingering laws like that in other states.
I already donated a bunch of seeds to my local library (and picked some up myself). Honestly, I need to see if they are planning on having any kind of seedling exchange because I have more than I’ll be able to plant.
I normally try to start a decent amount of extras to account for seedlings that die, or seeds that dont germinate, but I got really good germination this year thanks to a heating pad.
