It's fun and it's freeWomen have been gathering in circles to trade stories, seeds and knowledge for hundreds of years and we have been hosting the Canada Seed Swap since 2019! It's a wonderful way to meet new join the community of gardeners, try growing something new or unexpected, and expand your gardening skills by growing items you wouldn't necessarily have picked out to try for yourself. We have had hundreds of gardeners join in on the fun in the past and are excited to welcome more. So how does it work?
Choose your swap and registerYou can choose to participate in either the
FLOWER SEED SWAP or the
VEGETABLE SEED SWAP,
or both!Fill out the required information and agree to the terms. Double check your mailing address is correct!* You'll be organized into a 'pod' or group of 10 random Canadian gardeners. You will send one variety with at least 10 seeds to each swapper in your pod, and to your host. You will need at least 100 seeds. If you want, and you have extra seeds, you can sign up multiple times.
FLOWER SEED SWAP or the
VEGETABLE SEED SWAP,
or both!Fill out the required information and agree to the terms. Double check your mailing address is correct!* You'll be organized into a 'pod' or group of 10 random Canadian gardeners. You will send one variety with at least 10 seeds to each swapper in your pod, and to your host. You will need at least 100 seeds. If you want, and you have extra seeds, you can sign up multiple times.
Open email & mail the seedsEmails are sent once the registration has closed and we have created the pods. It could take up to 48 hours after registration has closed for the email to arrive in your inbox, Google can be a little slow getting the email to you. If you don't see it, check your spam folder. You are responsible for mailing seeds within ONE WEEK. One variety of at least 10 seeds to each swapper and to your host.
The fun part!Soon you'll start receiving the seeds from the swappers in your pod! Tag @canadaseedswap in your photos to be featured on the @canadaseedswap Instagram Page!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I used store bought seeds in the seed swap?
You can use store bought or seeds you have saved from your garden, just be sure to label them so everyone knows what they are planting.
I didn't get an email?
You will be emailed within 48 hours after the registration for the seed swap has been closed. If you have not received an email, check your spam folder. We use Google to send out our emails and sometimes they can be slow getting in your inbox. After 48 hours if you still have not received your email, send us a message on Instagram and I will find your email and send it again.
How many seeds do I send out to each person/swapper?
You need to send at least 10 seeds so the swappers can really try out your seeds. You only need to send one variety. You can send additional seeds if you like, but don't expect extras in return. If you'd like to register more than once to send and receive more seeds, you're welcome to do so! We will make sure you are in different pods!How much does it cost to participate in the seed swap?
It is free to sign up for the seed swap, we designed it this way to be affordable for everyone and I volunteer my time. You are responsible for the cost of postage to mail out your seeds to your swappers. You're also required to send seeds to your host, as a thank you for taking the time and energy to create and manage the seed swap.
Can I sign up more than once?
Yes! If you have enough seeds to participate in multiple pods, you can sign up more than once. Each time you sign up you will need at least 100 seeds, be sure you have enough on hand before signing up multiple times.
I didn't get seeds from someone in my pod, what do I do?
You can try emailing that individual to kindly hold them accountable. Life happens and sometimes we get caught up. If you don't hear back from them and haven't received your seeds in one month, email us with their info from your seed swap email and they will be banned from future swaps.
I didn't get ANY seeds from anyone in my pod?
Throughout the registration process we have asked you to double check your address FOUR times. We do this because we simply cannot verify if every address is written correctly with hundreds of seed swappers. If your address IS incorrect, you may not receive any seeds and there is nothing else I can do. If your address is correct, there may be an issue with mail delivery at your home. Call your local post office and see what's up!
