Nine Square Feet is partnering with 30 Iowa libraries to hold the largest simultaneous seed swap in our state’s history. The Community Room will be open to the public from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Like a traditional seed swap, “swappers” are encouraged to bring the seed they saved from plants grown last year to swap and share with the community. As a bonus, seed swappers are invited to arrive early at 10:00 am for first pick of seeds. Unlike a traditional seed swap, every adult attendee can select up to five free seed packets, and children under 12 can pick two free packets of their very own. The library will have a small garden pot decorating station for kids. Children can then use the pots to use to plant the seeds they have chosen.
Interested in swapping? Come at 10 am! Guidelines include: swap a maximum of 10 seed packets 1-for-1, seeds must be collected or dated 2019 or later, saved seed should have a germination rate of at least 60%, packaged in paper envelopes or plastic baggie, individually labeled, suggested quantity is 10-20 larger seeds or ¼-½ teaspoon small seeds, labeled with seed type and variety name (optional: color, height, growth habits), labeled with year collected, and labeled with the swapper’s first name. You may also swap opened commercial seed packets dated 2019-2023 with at least half original contents and taped closed.
Nine Square Feet has identified veggies and herbs varieties suited for small space gardeners and selected easy-to-grow, tried-and-true garden staples for beginners. Seed-loving volunteers gathered recently to repackage bulk seed purchases, creating more than 7000 seed packets of 100 different plant varieties. Nine Square Feet expects to distribute free seed to more than 1000 families at this expanded public event. Through gardening, Nine Square Feet fosters stronger, more connected communities. Visit the Nine Square Feet Facebook page to learn more about the organization.