Starting a garden doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when it comes to seeds. Petra Page-Mann and Matthew Goldfarb of Fruition Seeds are revolutionizing gardening by giving away their seeds for free, shifting from a for-profit model to a gift-focused approach ¹.
Since August 27, 2024, they’ve been sharing hundreds of varieties to highlight that seeds are a natural gift everyone should enjoy.
Here’s how to join this movement and find free seeds without breaking the bank.
1. Make the Most of Seed Giveaways
Many organizations and companies host seed giveaways to encourage gardening and support specific causes.
For instance, Fruition Seeds, an organic seed company based in upstate New York, offers free seeds to promote gardening and sustainable practices.
Similarly, during National Pollinator Week, the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Project Milkweed gave away milkweed seeds to help attract and support pollinators. (ref)
Keeping an eye on local and national events, gardening clubs, or company announcements can help you snag free seeds.
2. Join Gardening Clubs & Online Forums
Gardening clubs and online forums are great places to connect with other gardeners who often share or trade seeds. Many local clubs organize seed swaps or exchanges where members can trade seeds from their own gardens.
Online forums and social media groups dedicated to gardening are also excellent resources for finding seed exchange opportunities. Popular seed exchanges include Seed Savers Exchange (ref) and Seeds of Diversity. (ref)
3. Visit Community Gardens
Community gardens often have seed exchanges or donation programs to help residents grow their own food. Many community gardens allow you to take home seeds in exchange for a small fee or by contributing your own seeds.
This is also a great way to get seeds that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions, as they are typically shared among local gardeners.
4. Check Out Public Libraries
Some public libraries offer seed libraries where you can borrow seeds just like you would a book. Seed libraries are designed to promote gardening and seed saving, and they often have a variety of seeds available for free.
Check with your local library to see if they have a seed library program or if they host any seed exchange events. The Seed Library Social Network is a valuable tool for finding seed libraries. (ref)
5. Get Free Sample Packets
Free seed packets are often available at environmental celebrations such as Earth Day or Arbor Day events, which are typically hosted by local governments, park services, nonprofits like the Sierra Club or free seed projects. (ref)
These groups distribute seeds to promote nature-related activities like gardening and planting.
Another great place to check for free samples is your local cooperative extension office, which often has resources for gardeners, including free seed giveaways. (ref)
6. Request Free Seeds from Gardening & Seed Catalogs
Many seed companies offer free catalogs that often come with complimentary seed packets or promotions. Requesting these catalogs is a great way to not only get inspiration for your garden but also receive free seeds in the process.
Some companies even offer free seed samples as part of promotional offers or loyalty programs, so it’s worth signing up for their newsletters or catalogs.
7. Connect with Local Farmers & Gardeners
Farmers and experienced gardeners are often willing to share surplus seeds, especially at the end of the growing season.
Visiting farmer’s markets or connecting with local growers can lead to valuable seed-sharing opportunities. Farmers often have extra seeds that they don’t use, and they might be willing to pass them along for free or in exchange for a small favor.
8. Visit Botanical Gardens & Nature Centers
Some botanical gardens, nature centers, or public parks run seed exchange programs or offer free seeds to promote native plant growth.
These institutions often aim to encourage local biodiversity and native species preservation, so they may provide seeds for free as part of their outreach efforts.
Keep an eye on their community events, as these are great opportunities to collect free seeds.
9. Save Your Own Seeds
One of the most cost-effective ways to score free seeds is by harvesting them from plants in your own garden. After your plants flower and go to seed, you can collect the seeds for next year’s planting.
This is especially useful for heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, which retain the parent plant’s characteristics. Seed saving also helps preserve plant diversity and ensures you always have a supply on hand.
10. Check Online Freebie Websites
Websites dedicated to freebies often list seed giveaways or promotions. These sites track various deals and promotions, offering everything from free seed samples to gardening supplies.
You can find seed giveaways by visiting sites like Freebie Shark (ref) or even by signing up for gardening newsletters that offer seasonal promotions or limited-time offers on seeds.
Getting free seeds for your garden is easier than you might think. By exploring different options, you can gather a wide variety of seeds without spending any money.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.