How to organize a seed swap

Humans have been sharing seeds and stories that go along with them for over 10,000 years. Hosting a seed swap in your community can be a fun way to help plan and build excitement for the upcoming growing season. Here are some tips on how to plan a seed swap.

What is a Seed Swap?

A seed swap is a gathering of people who have come together to share seeds, including vegetables, herbs and flowers. Typically, seeds are spread on tables, and people choose what they want. Manitowoc Seed Collective says to “think of a seed swap as a potluck – but with seeds!”

Choosing a Day

National Seed Swap Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday in January. This day was established in 2006 in Washington, D.C., and has since spread nationally. Seed swaps do not need to be held on that exact day but often work best during the planning months of January, February and March. Make it an annual event to encourage participation year after year.

Choosing a Host Site

Public libraries can be a great place to host a seed swap. Some libraries even have seed libraries. Hosting a seed swap can be a way to kick off or promote a seed library. It can also be a way to do more – include kids’ activities and garden talks along with the swap.

Seed swaps can be stand-alone events or part of other happening s– farmers markets, festivals, flower shows or other educational events. Collaborating with organizers of another event may make it easier to start a new seed swap. If hosting a speaker or demonstration, choose a venue that has enough space and audiovisual equipment if needed.

Enlisting Helpers

Reach out to groups for collaboration, volunteers, donations or other support. Interested groups may include Master Gardeners (your state’s Cooperative Extension can help put you in touch with them), garden clubs, community gardens, greenhouses/nurseries, churches, libraries, food co-ops and more. Consider asking for speakers to give brief presentations on topics such as winter sowing and seed saving.

Setting Parameters for the Seeds

An important consideration for the organizers is what kind of seeds will be shared at the seed swap. The Federal Seed Act regulates seeds shipped across state lines and requires specific labeling requirements, although this rarely applies to local seed swaps. It is unlawful to transport any seeds containing federal noxious weeds.

Some swaps may specify open-pollinated (OP) seeds – plants pollinated naturally by wind, water, bees, insects or birds rather than through human intervention. Open-pollinated seeds produce seeds that grow “true to type” and are genetically stable. Examples of open-pollinated seeds include heirlooms like ‘Brandywine’ tomatoes and ‘Cherokee Trail of Tears’ beans. Some swaps may specify local seeds or organic seeds. Will commercial seed be allowed or only garden-saved?

Important: Require participants to label seeds with the variety and the year of collection to help ensure safety and success. Include signage at your seed swap stating that seed vitality (viability/germination) is not guaranteed. Participants may be encouraged to conduct a simple germination test with a few seeds on a damp paper towel.

Ensure Seed Supply

Consider collecting an initial supply of seeds before the event. Seed companies and nurseries may be willing to donate seeds. To avoid running out of seed: monitor the seed offerings, limit the number of packs each person may fill or allow people who bring seed to fill more packets than those who don’t (this also will encourage folks to bring seed).

How to Promote a Seed Swap

Spread the word through local media and social media. On promotional materials, include information about seeds that are allowed and how those seeds should be labeled and packaged.

How to Set Up a Seed Swap

Supplies that may be needed include tables, chairs, signage posting the swap guidelines/instructions, seed envelopes or bags, jars and spoons, paper plates for sorting and writing utensils.

A seed swap can be made easier for participants to navigate by organizing tables in a clear, intuitive way. Choose a simple structure that fits the size of your event and the variety of seeds you expect. Common approaches include:

By broad category – Vegetables, fruits, trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs

By fruit/vegetable type or family – Brassicas, nightshades, legumes, cucurbits, etc.

By growing conditions or purpose – Pollinator plants, shade‑tolerant species, drought‑tolerant varieties, container‑friendly crops

By plant lifespan – Annuals vs. perennials

Alphabetically – A–Z tables for quick sorting and easy browsing

Mixed approach – Broad category tables with small sub‑groupings as needed

Often participants who bring seeds are not required to stay with their seeds, but some may choose to stay with seeds to share information about them.

Consider offering a “free table” with seed catalogs and other horticultural information.

Seed swaps are a fun, simple way to build community and share seeds to support a more diverse and resilient local food supply.

by Prairey Walkling, Tess Amen & Nick Volesky, SDSU Extension