History of the Swap

The Apex/Cary Gardeners' Plant and Seed Swap started out in 2021 as Connie started planning her second year of having a big garden. As she ordered seeds and started seedlings indoors, she noticed that she had or would have a lot of extras and hated to see them go to waste. She also noticed that lots of other gardeners in her local gardening group online had extras too or wanted to get started, but didn't know how. So, Connie started a monthly swap meet-up where local gardeners could share their extra seeds, seedlings, plants, produce, garden gear, books, questions, ideas and enthusiasm. Since then, the swap has grown to be a vibrant monthly community event that draws dozens of regular members and even more guests and friends. It is a wonderful way to stretch available resources, connect to new neighbors and friends, and get inspired to try new things in the garden. 

Swap Format

• Check in at the welcome table, make name tag

• Seeds to give go on the seed table

• Plants can be laid out on the ground or you can bring your own table

• Seeds and plants should be labeled as best as possible (labeling materials are provided on the welcome table)

• Participants can take whatever is out and available, but please remember to make sure others have a chance too swap too

• If you bring things and they are unclaimed when you are ready to leave, please check in with Connie or another organizer before leaving

  • Orphaned plants that aren't too big will go home with Connie or one of the regulars to either be composted or saved (if possible) for next month

  • Please don't leave any large items - Connie and the other organizers may not have room to bring those things home. 

  • Connie keeps all seeds and brings them back each month (but you can take your seeds back home if you like)

What to Bring

• Treasure supplies: bin, box, or bags for taking your treasures home, trowel/spade, mask, gloves, sunscreen/hat, and swappables! 

• Seeds: partially used store-bought packs, seeds personally saved from previous years, seed tape, pods, etc. 

  • It's helpful if you have a large amount of seed to divide and label them before the swap

• Seedlings: please label the tray or individual pots as best you can

• Plants: volunteers, thinned out plants from your yard/garden, house plants, propagated plants or cuttings

• Gear: extra tools, grow bags, pots, gloves, gardening clothes, hats, books, garden art, etc. 

• Fertilizer, compost, plant meds (nothing super toxic please), soil amendments

• Questions! Not sure what something is, someone knows or has an app! Not sure how to get started, we want to help you!