Where to find a seed exchange or a seed swap
Since 2010, Tomato Dirt has garnered 4.8+ million views, making it the web’s leading online source for growing tomatoes in the home garden. Award-winning writer and Tomato Dirt owner Kathy Widenhouse has helped thousands of home gardeners grow healthier tomatoes. Be one of them when you get Tomato Dirt’s Growing Guide here.
Updated 1.9.26
A seed exchange allows you to share your garden seeds with others and trade to receive seeds to grow in your garden. You can participate in an online seed exchange or an in-person seed swap.
Before you leave ...
Get your free copy of "10 Must-Know Tomato Growing Tips." This 20-page guide is filled with tips you need to know to have a successful tomato crop, whether you’re a beginning or experienced gardener.
Gardeners have different reasons for participating in a seed exchange.
- You may be interested in finding organic or heirloom varieties to grow
- You may be looking for seeds that are not readily available in their immediate location
- You may simply want to save money
Some online seed exchanges operate with a nominal fee. Others are free. Regardless, a seed exchange saves you money. Plus, when you’re part of a seed exchange community, you can meet gardeners from all over the world. You
can learn from their experiences and share yours, too.
Seed exchange communities to check out
1. Seed Savers Exchange
The granddaddy of seed swap sites, the Seed Savers Exchange community of gardeners shares and swaps rare seeds you might not find anywhere else, including vegetables, grains, fruits, berries, nuts, herbs, spices, flowers – even cotton flax, hops, and sugar cane.
2. Community Seed Network
The Community Seed Network is made up of gardeners, educators, organizers, innovators, and conservationists who facilitate saving and sharing seeds. It works as a partner with Seed Savers Exchange by connecting you with growers worldwide. Use the network to share and request seeds with other growers, connect with other seed savers, find unique open-pollinated varieties, and share your seed harvest.
3. National Gardening Association Seed Swap
Watch the National Gardening Association video tutorial to learn how to use its seed swap system. This swaps page also curates a list of local swaps and specialized seed exchanges, which you can follow and attend according to your own interests
4. Great American Seed Swap/Trade Group
The Great American Seed Swap/Trade Group is free on Facebook, but you must have a Facebook account to join the group. Share, swap, trade seeds and plants for fun with other group members. Click on the Discussion tab to view seed lists and post your own.
5. Houzz (formerly GardenWeb)
The Houzz Seed Exchange is free when you register on Houzz. It provides a place where users can offer seeds for trade and make requests for seeds they are seeking. Items for sale are not permitted. This platform is not quite as active as it used to be, but try it anyway.
6. Dave's Garden
Dave's Garden is a member-supported community that operates with a nominal membership fee. Subscribed members of Dave's Garden receive full access to every feature on the site, including seed trading tools. Though not as active as it was pre-COVID, you can still lists of seeds and plants available for trading by other members of Dave’s Garden and post your own wish list.
How to find a local seed exchange near you
It’s easy to find a local seed exchange, thanks to the internet. Simply search for ...
- "seed exchange in my area"
- "seed exchange near me"
- "seed swap in [your state, city, or local area]"
What are the
benefits of using a seed exchange?
Using a seed exchange (also called a seed swap or seed library) has benefits for gardeners, farmers, and communities alike. Here are the main advantages:
Foster greater plant diversity
- You’ll have access to rare, heirloom, and locally adapted varieties that aren’t sold commercially.
- You help preserve genetic diversity, which is crucial for resilient food systems.
Save money
- Seeds at an exchange are free or low-cost, reducing your gardening expenses.
- Seed exchanges encourage saving and sharing seeds instead of buying new ones every season.
Find locally adapted seeds
- Seeds often come from nearby growers, meaning they’re better suited to the local climate, soil, and pests. Local adaptations lead to healthier plants and better yields over time.
Share knowledge and build community
- Seed swaps foster connections among gardeners, farmers, and seed savers.
- You’ll share growing tips, cultural traditions, and seed-saving skills.
Expand sustainability
- By using a seed exchange or seed swap, you reduce dependence on large seed companies. That supports sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.
- You’ll help protect traditional crops tied to regional or cultural histories and prevent valuable varieties from disappearing.
Take the opportunity to experiment
- You can try new or unusual crops with low risk.
- You can learn which varieties perform best in your conditions.
Develop your skills
- You can learn how to save seeds and even breed new varieties. Plus, seed exchanges are usually linked to local libraries, schools, or community gardens with educational programs.
Did you know ….?
In the United States the last Saturday of January is "National Seed Swap Day."
More on tomato seeds and seed trading
How to save tomato seeds to use next year ...
Why save tomato seeds? 10 great reasons ...
Saving tomato seeds: which varieties should you save for next year?
Easy seed saving method for tomatoes ...
Saving Tomato Seeds FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) ..
How to take end of season notes about your tomato garden ...
How to make your own tomato seed tape ...
Seed Trading 101: how to trade tomato seeds ...
How to grow tomatoes from seeds ...
Learn more about tomato seeds on our Pinterest board ...
Return from Seed Exchange Forums to Tomato Dirt home
As an Amazon Associate and Rakuten Advertising affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
SHARE THIS PAGE:
FREE! 10 Must-Know Tomato Growing Tips: 20-page guide
Get yours here:
