seed exchange
Growers share genetics
A seed exchange is an organized sharing of seeds among gardeners, farmers, or communities.
Participants bring seeds they've saved from their own plants and trade for varieties others have collected.
Seed exchanges help preserve heirloom and regional varieties that might otherwise disappear from commercial circulation.
The local garden club hosts a seed exchange every February.
- heirloom seedsNon-hybrid traditional plant varieties
- swapExchange one for another
- heritage cropsTraditional cultivars preserved across generations
- genetic diversityAllelic variation within populations
- plant varietiesDistinct botanical types
workshops · barter systems · gardening clubs · backyard garden · urban agriculture · packet · cultivar · landrace · regenerative farming · community gardens · cooperative farming · crop rotation · envelope · permaculture · native plants · germination · growing season · farmers' markets
- community activitiespotluck, community garden, neighborhood watch, barn raising, community cleanup
- garden club activitiesplant swap, flower show, garden tour, plant sale, workshop
- indigenous farmingthree sisters, terrace farming, terraces, terracing, maize
- flower showsflower festival, flower shows, orchid show, flower displays, floral displays
- outdoor partiesgarden party, lawn party, patio party, pool party, BBQ
- botany historyCarl Linnaeus, Linnaeus, herbarium, herbaria, botanical gardens
seed exchangegarden center
Plant and supply retailer
big-box store · Monsanto · GMO seeds · Burpee
seed exchangeGMO seeds
Laboratory-modified planting material
Monsanto · hybrid seeds · monoculture · industrial agriculture