Seed Swap and Demonstration

Get free seeds while learning

Do you want to expand your gardens, or are you new to gardening? Get a jump on the growing season with the 2nd Kane County Master Gardener Community Seed Swap on Sunday, Jan. 25. Choose from a variety of vegetable, flower, and herb seeds to take home.

• If gardeners would like to bring seeds to share, they should be fresh and labeled, and not from F1 hybrids, so they grow true to type.
• All seeds collected pre-event will be labeled and come with care instructions.

Demonstrations

In addition to free seeds, learn different seed starting techniques, tips, and tools with our demonstrations:

• Soil Blocking : Create compact soil blocks that reduce plastic use, encourage strong roots, and minimize transplant shock.
• Tray Types: Compare standard cell trays, deep-root trays, and other options to find the best fit for your crops.
• Seed Snail System: A spiral design for efficient germination and space-saving seed starting—ideal for small spaces.
• Winter Sowing: Learn how to start seeds outdoors in winter using recycled containers, harnessing natural cold stratification for hardy plants. 

Plus, learn from Master Gardeners and expert presenters about:

• Choosing the right growing medium
• Watering and humidity management
• Heat mats and grow lights for optimal germination
• Labeling and organization hacks

For questions or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, call the office at 630-584-6166 or email stojand@illinois.edu.