Seed Swap Event

2027 Seed Swap

The seed swap committee is looking for volunteer(s) to reach out to the local stores and seed companies for seed donations. The local stores will begin to get rid of their 2026 seeds soon, and that is a great opportunity for them to donate their seeds instead. Seed company contact info is already compiled, we just need a few volunteers to reach out and ask for donations. If you’re interested in helping, please contact Renee Ford at: [email protected] or 804-691-1194.

2026 Seed Swap

On behalf of MGACRA, the 2026 Seed Swap chairs would like to thank everyone both from the public and master gardeners who braved the cold temperatures and strong winds to attend the Seed Swap on February 7, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Boscobel Road in south Stafford County. In spite of the freezing weather, there were 439 people in attendance with lots of families! Over 10,000 packages of seeds were prepared to give away so there were plenty for all. The 12 community organizations in attendance were thrilled with their interactions with attendees and most of them submitted a question for the scavenger hunt enjoyed by adults and children alike. The scavenger hunt was one of the new activities added this year in our efforts to involve and educate youth as well as adults along with a bracelet craft, planting a seed, naming fruits and vegetables, and 98 fairy gardens were created and taken home to enjoy. Native plant seeds were available to take home and try out the method introduced by speaker Pat Lust. There were also mini classes on Winter Sowing, Composting, and How to Rid or Live with Spotted Lantern Fly and Tree of Heaven. We are looking forward to next year's Seed Swap to be held on Saturday, January 30, 2027, barring more crazy weather.

Thanks,
Susan

Armed with seed lists and bundled against the February chill, attendees consult with a Master Gardener volunteer at one of the many seed tables at the 2026 MGACRA Seed Swap.

Speaker Patricia Lust walks attendees through the supplies needed for plant propagation during her keynote address offered at the 2026 Seed Swap.

Crowds pack the seed tables, sorting through thousands of seed packets at the 2026 MGACRA Seed Swap.

Gardeners of all ages and backgrounds browse the seed tables, carefully reading labels, and selecting packets to take home from the 2026 Seed Swap.

A packed gymnasium buzzed with excitement as community members explored seed tables, visited with the 12 participating organizations, and took part in activities at the 2026 MGACRA Seed Swap.

A Master Gardener leads a mini class on composting with educational displays, adding a colorful backdrop.

Master Gardener volunteers sort and package seeds ahead of the 2026 MGACRA Seed Swap, assembling the more than 10,000 seed packets that would be given away at the event.

Dedicated Master Gardeners work side by side folding and filling seed envelopes, one of the many hours of behind-the-scenes effort that made the 2026 Seed Swap possible.

A team of volunteers carefully labels and sorts seed packets, ensuring every package is properly identified before the big day.

A volunteer joins in the seed preparation fun, helping pack and sort seeds alongside fellow community members getting ready for the 2026 MGACRA Seed Swap.

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A Few Seed Pack Rules:
Please LABEL your seeds/plants with the common name (at a minimum) and the date.

Please DO NOT BRING any hybrid seeds as they will not grow true.

Please DO NOT BRING any invasive or noxious plants—see below for lists
Click for the invasive plant list for VA:

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/invsppdflist

Click for the federal list of noxious weeds:

http://www.invasive.org/species/list.cfm?id=16

do-it-yourself_seed_envelopes.docx
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Saving Seeds from Your Urban Garden (video)

2026 S​eed Swap

2026 Seed Swap