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
Thanks,
Susan
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2025 Seed Swap
2025 Seed Swap Wrap-up : A Day of Sharing, Learning, and Growing
The much-anticipated 9th annual 2025 Seed Swap, hosted by the Master Gardeners Association of the Central Rappahannock Area (MGACRA) and the Virginia Cooperative Extension, took place Saturday, February 1st, at a new, larger venue at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Boscobel Rd. The event, which ran from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, saw a record turnout as attendees exchanged seeds, tips, and knowledge, creating a vibrant atmosphere fueled by a shared passion for gardening.
Upon arrival, participants were greeted with an impressive selection of seeds ranging from flowers and herbs to vegetables and other delightful surprises. The seed tables were constantly replenished, ensuring that everyone could leave with something new to enhance their gardens.
In addition to the seed exchange, the event featured a variety of informative workshops and a keynote lecture. Master Gardener volunteers led sessions on composting, mulching, and winter sowing, equipping participants with valuable skills to bring back to their gardens. The keynote lecture, titled “Kick the Invasive Exotic Gardening Habit with Great Native Plant Alternatives”, offered attendees a fresh perspective on how to create more sustainable gardens. For families, the event also included a kids' section where younger attendees could create their own fairy gardens.
The Seed Swap also provided a platform for local community groups to showcase their work. Bees, trees, historic gardens, and other related initiatives were represented by community partners, highlighting the many gardening-focused organizations that are actively involved in the area. We were proud to feature displays spotlighting the ongoing community projects that our Master Gardener Volunteers contribute to throughout the year. It’s clear that our local gardening community is both vibrant and strong!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our generous 2025 event sponsors. Our annual Seed Swap would not be possible without their invaluable support: American Meadows, Baker Heirloom Seeds, Bright Farms, Burpee, C&T Produce, Colesville Nursery, Gardening Gays Farm, Earl’s True Value Hardware, Hart’s Seeds, Hudson Valley Seed Co., James Madison Garden Club, Mary’s Heirloom Seeds, Meadows Farms, Peaceful Valley, Prairie Moon Nursery, Sow Right Seeds, Territorial Seed Company, Tractor Supply, and Victory Seed Company. A very special thanks goes to our host, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who graciously shared their space with the community.
Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for the 10th annual Seed Swap. We eagerly anticipate continuing this beloved tradition in the years to come! Visit our website for more information. www.mgacra.org
Kirstin Nason, Master Gardener Volunteer
Sincerely,
Susan Gingrich Joan Pope Kirstin Nason
Susan [email protected]
Joan [email protected]
Kirstin [email protected]
Upon arrival, participants were greeted with an impressive selection of seeds ranging from flowers and herbs to vegetables and other delightful surprises. The seed tables were constantly replenished, ensuring that everyone could leave with something new to enhance their gardens.
In addition to the seed exchange, the event featured a variety of informative workshops and a keynote lecture. Master Gardener volunteers led sessions on composting, mulching, and winter sowing, equipping participants with valuable skills to bring back to their gardens. The keynote lecture, titled “Kick the Invasive Exotic Gardening Habit with Great Native Plant Alternatives”, offered attendees a fresh perspective on how to create more sustainable gardens. For families, the event also included a kids' section where younger attendees could create their own fairy gardens.
The Seed Swap also provided a platform for local community groups to showcase their work. Bees, trees, historic gardens, and other related initiatives were represented by community partners, highlighting the many gardening-focused organizations that are actively involved in the area. We were proud to feature displays spotlighting the ongoing community projects that our Master Gardener Volunteers contribute to throughout the year. It’s clear that our local gardening community is both vibrant and strong!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our generous 2025 event sponsors. Our annual Seed Swap would not be possible without their invaluable support: American Meadows, Baker Heirloom Seeds, Bright Farms, Burpee, C&T Produce, Colesville Nursery, Gardening Gays Farm, Earl’s True Value Hardware, Hart’s Seeds, Hudson Valley Seed Co., James Madison Garden Club, Mary’s Heirloom Seeds, Meadows Farms, Peaceful Valley, Prairie Moon Nursery, Sow Right Seeds, Territorial Seed Company, Tractor Supply, and Victory Seed Company. A very special thanks goes to our host, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who graciously shared their space with the community.
Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for the 10th annual Seed Swap. We eagerly anticipate continuing this beloved tradition in the years to come! Visit our website for more information. www.mgacra.org
Kirstin Nason, Master Gardener Volunteer
Sincerely,
Susan Gingrich Joan Pope Kirstin Nason
Susan [email protected]
Joan [email protected]
Kirstin [email protected]
2025
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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
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
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Seed Swap 2024 Blew Expectations Out of the Water
The 8th annual Seed Swap hosted by the Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area (MGACRA) on January 27, 2024, according to one guest, “blew all expectations out of the water!” The public showed up an hour early and waited for the doors to open with over 300 guests in attendance. More people than ever saved seeds and brought them to the swap in addition to over 600 pounds of seeds that were donated. Organization this year reached a new high with color coded table cloths on the expanded seed tables along with signs, which allowed guests to immediately see where the seeds they were looking for were located. Seeds disappeared quickly and once again herbs and vegetable varieties were especially popular. Watch on this website, www.mgacra.org, for videos and information showing how you can save seeds and package them to bring to next year’s seed swap.
The items in our book/magazine and miscellaneous swap areas were well received and found a new home. Our two speakers shared information on companion planting with herbs and pruning for a healthy landscaped and received high ratings from attendees (go to "Educational Recordings" to view presentations). Another popular area was the children’s activity area where over 75 fairy gardens were created. Thank you to all who supported MGACRA’s 2024 Seed Swap! Join us next year on January 25, 2025!
The items in our book/magazine and miscellaneous swap areas were well received and found a new home. Our two speakers shared information on companion planting with herbs and pruning for a healthy landscaped and received high ratings from attendees (go to "Educational Recordings" to view presentations). Another popular area was the children’s activity area where over 75 fairy gardens were created. Thank you to all who supported MGACRA’s 2024 Seed Swap! Join us next year on January 25, 2025!