All gardeners out there, both beginners and experienced, who enjoy growing new plants, will enjoy the annual Seed Swap Day (Saturday, Feb. 10) at Knox & Lincoln Counties Extension, 377 Manktown Road in Waldoboro. Although people have been swapping seeds since time began, these days people usually buy seeds. This old skill of swapping seeds is disappearing from our culture. When you save your own seeds, you are joining a chain of farmers, gardeners and seed savers that dates back to the Stone Age.

The first official seed swap day was held in January 2006 in Washington, D.C. and is now a national “day.” It's a day when gardeners come together and swap the seeds from their best plants. This helps to improve our local biodiversity. It’s also a time to swap stories and skills as you get ready for the upcoming gardening season!

On Feb. 10, please join Master Gardener Jean Vose at this Seed Swap and Saving Seeds Workshop. The workshop begins at 10 a.m. with an introduction to seed saving and swapping. Remember to bring your friends, favorite saved seeds, catalogues and gardening stories to share.  Vose has been facilitating this swap for three years and is a strong advocate for growing native plants.  The program will provide an overview of saving seeds including the history and tradition, why it is important, how seed saving relates to food security, and the best sources for seed. 

Guidelines for swapping seeds: Please do not bring seed collected from hybrid plants, as they won't grow true to type; no GMO seed; bring any special growing instructions; ex. full sun, moist soil, shade; bring perennial, annual or biannual seeds. Envelopes will be provided for seeds and cards for writing seed information. Please do bring any information you know about your seeds including common name/variety, the year the seeds were collected, where they were grown and who grew them and any other information about what makes the variety unique, or tips for growing.

For more information or questions about this event, call Jean at 563-7564. Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served. For directions to the Extension office, visit the website https://extension.umaine.edu/knox-lincoln/directions/