Seed swap

Seed swaps are events where gardeners meet to exchange seeds. Swapping can be arranged online or by mail,^[1] especially when participants are spread out geographically. Swap meet events, where growers meet and exchange their excess seeds in person, are also growing in popularity. In part this is due to increased interest in organic gardening and heritage or heirloom plant varietals. This reflects gardeners' interest in "unusual or particular varieties of flowers and vegetables", according to Kathy Jentz of Washington Gardener Magazine (Maryland).^[2]

Seed swaps also help consumers who, due to increases in the cost of living or cut down on expenditures, wish to grow their own food.^[3][4] Some events are organized as part of an educational effort, where visitors are taught gardening and growing skills^[5][6] and how to preserve an area's cultural heritage^[7] and biodiversity.^[8] In the United States, the last Saturday of January is "National Seed Swap Day".^[9][10][11]