Spring is around the corner, which means it is planting season!! This is a wonderful opportunity to host a Plant Sharing and Seed Swap in your neighborhood. Plant Sharing and Seed Swap is an excellent opportunity for gardeners to share their leftover or surplus seeds from the previous season. This event also creates an opportunity to grow something new and save money on buying seeds. One can also meet fellow plant enthusiasts, share ideas with fellow gardeners, and share knowledge and tips about plants and anything green.

The Plant Sharing and Seed Swap is not only a wonderful way to meet other gardeners but also to meet your neighbors and people who live in your community. How many years have you lived in your neighborhood and how many neighbors do you really know? If you are unable to think of the last time that you and your neighbors got together and did something fun in your community, then this is a perfect opportunity to do so.

Host a community event!! Make it a free event, and more people will be inclined to attend.

Here are some tips to host a successful and fun Plant Sharing and Seed Swap:

1. Find a Venue and Set a Date: This event can take place in your community park or even on a cul-de-sac on your street. Try to find a large, open space where people will have room to display their plants and seeds.
2. Make the Event Free: Who doesn’t like a free event? By not charging an entrance fee, you will get more people to attend. The more people who attend, the more seeds and plants to share and swap.
3. Guest Speaker: Find a local garden society or local horticulturist who will be willing to attend the event and give information on gardening and plants.
4. Refreshments: Have the kids in your community set up a lemonade and cookie stand. You can also get some of your neighbors to bring in refreshments if they do not have any seeds or plant to share and swap.
5. Mailing List: Have your neighbors provide you with their email address, but make sure to let them know that it will be used strictly for this mailing list. You can use this list to notify your neighbors about upcoming community events or future Plant Sharing and Seed Swap events.
6. Sponsors: Contact your local garden center or shop. Ask them if they would be willing to donate an item or two for a raffle. Make sure to advertise their name at your event.
7. Raffle: You can raffle a pair of gardening gloves, a plant, or gardening books.
8. Donations: Have a donation jar where guests can donate money toward future community events or the next Plant Sharing and Seed Swap.
9. Invite People: Create a Facebook event and share it on your local community Facebook page. Create a flyer about the event and share it in your community newsletter or clubhouse.
10. Entertainment: Create an area for kids where they can color pots or plant seeds in their pots. Maybe one of your neighbors is a musician – have him or her play some music. You can also use a simple Bluetooth speaker and audio device to play some music.  

In fact, I will be hosting my first ever Plant Sharing and Seed Swap in my neighborhood! I am both nervous and excited because I love to meet other gardeners who live in my community, and I always love meeting new people. Creating community events is a wonderful way to meet new people and get to know your neighbors. I believe that this strengthens your community and also creates a “second family” outside of your home.

So, readers, I encourage you to host your Plant Sharing and Seed Swap in your neighborhood and let me know how it went. I would love to hear all about it. You can reach me at martineishu@yahoo.com. Wish me luck on my first Plant Sharing and Seed Swap!!