Share the Seed: How a Seed Swap Works

By Jill Henderson - Show Me Oz

Swapping seeds is both fun and addictive. I remember the first time I began swapping seeds with other seed-junkies in 1999, using a then obscure method of communication known as the internet. Back then, most of the people I knew did not have or even know what email was. Finding a group of people who loved to trade and talk seed was like finding a long-lost friend. I was instantly hooked, both with seed swapping and the internet!

It didn’t take long before I began hosting large online seed swaps, better known in the seed swap community as a Round Robin. Some of the online swaps could involve hundreds of participants – all from different corners of the United States. Seeds were mailed to the host, who then would divide all of the seeds between participants out using what is called a “want” or “wish” list of items for each participant. It’s a big job and one that takes time and thoughtfulness.

This article answers many of the questions I recieved while organizing a community seed swap.

Read the entire article at Show Me Oz

Jill Henderson is an artist, author and naturalist with a passion for wild edible and medicinal plants, organic gardening, seed saving and sustainable agriculture. She currently authors and edits the blog Show Me Oz: The Very Best of the Ozarks (http://showmeoz.wordpress.com), which focuses on building community around sustainable ideals relevant to the people of the Ozarks region and beyond. She has written three books: The Healing Power of Kitchen Herbs, The Garden Seed Saving Guide and A Journey of Seasons. Available in print and ebook.

Comment by Melissa Campbell on February 24, 2012 at 5:38pm: I will be going to my first seed swap tomorrow. I'm pretty excited ") It's the little things in life.

Comment by Melissa Campbell on February 24, 2012 at 5:38pm: This link is not working??

Comment by Melissa Campbell on February 24, 2012 at 5:39pm: It's only the first link that isn't working.

Comment by Jill Henderson on February 24, 2012 at 6:02pm: Hi Melissa, glad you liked the article and the link wasn't working - should be fixed now! Have fun at your seed swap and let us know how it goes!! You're gonna love it!

Comment by Melissa Campbell on February 26, 2012 at 11:25am: The seed swap was great!! I'm hooked ")

Comment by Jill Henderson on February 26, 2012 at 7:44pm: Knew it! I can't wait for ours next week!

Share the Seed: How a Seed Swap Works

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