garden seed swap

1. How do you swap seeds?
2. Is seed swapping legal?
3. What seeds can you replant?
4. What should I bring to a seed swap?
5. What is National Seed Swap Day?
6. How do I set up a seed library?
7. Why is it illegal to save seeds?
8. Is it illegal to sell heirloom seeds?
9. Are seed banks illegal?
10. Can you save seeds from store bought vegetables?
11. Can you take seeds from a tomato and plant them?
12. Can I plant seeds from a cucumber?

How do you swap seeds?

For a small swap, separate the seeds into vegetables, flowers, herbs, and miscellaneous. For a larger swap, you may choose to arrange by plant family (each table sign should include common names also), with hosts to help people place the seed in the appropriate area.

Is seed swapping legal?

The state just became the fourth to pass a law making it legal to swap seeds and collect them in non-commercial libraries.

What seeds can you replant?

Quick facts

• Tomatoes, peppers, beans and peas are good choices for seed saving. ...
• Seeds from biennial crops such as carrots or beets are harder to save since the plants need two growing seasons to set seed.
• Choose open-pollinated varieties rather than hybrids.

What should I bring to a seed swap?

To save seed from your garden, use coin envelopes, commercial seed saving envelopes, or craft your own packets. Provide plenty of envelopes, small zipper bags or paper packets for people to carry seed. Many heirloom seed companies sell paper packets for storing seeds.

What is National Seed Swap Day?

National Seed Swap Day on the last Saturday in January serves as a reminder to gardeners that spring is on its way. It is also an ideal time for gardeners to gather and swap seeds in preparation for starting seeds indoors.

How do I set up a seed library?

How to Start a Seed Library

1. Present your idea to a local group, such as a garden club or master gardeners. ...
2. Arrange for a convenient space, such as a community building. ...
3. Gather your materials. ...
4. You'll also need a desktop computer with a seed database (or another system for keeping track).

Why is it illegal to save seeds?

Farmers who choose to grow genetically modified (GM, or GMO) seed sign a contract stating that they will not save their seed to grow next year. GMO seed is protected under intellectual property laws. To save this seed to plant again the next year will violate a contract and is illegal under Intellectual Property law.

Is it illegal to sell heirloom seeds?

If you are not selling heirloom plants or their seeds, that is fine. In addition, many heirloom seeds have been around for generations, making them a part of public domain.

Are seed banks illegal?

According to recent rulings in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Illinois, the seed libraries that facilitate the free exchange of these rare legumes, vegetables, and fruits are "illegal seed distribution centers" under state law.

Can you save seeds from store bought vegetables?

You can save seeds from heirloom (open-pollinated) tomatoes, peppers, melons, and squash. Now, you probably wouldn't want to waste (that is, not eat) any part of a $6 tomato. But if one happens to go bad, that's great! Tomato seeds need to be fermented (which means they need to rot) in order to become viable.

Can you take seeds from a tomato and plant them?

Working With Tomato Seeds

Seeds from many plants can be saved simply by waiting for seed pods or fruit to dry, then opening them up to collect the seeds. ... The best way to remove this gel covering is to allow the fruits to rot and ferment. In nature, this happens when the fruit falls off the plant.

Can I plant seeds from a cucumber?

To obtain seeds from a cucumber it needs to be fully ripe. ... Cut the cukes in half lengthwise to extract the seeds. Scoop them out and allow them to ferment in water for 1-3 days to remove the pulp from the seeds. Once you have extracted the seeds from the pulp, plant them in full sun with fertile soil an inch (2.5 cm.)