Plant Swap

 

It is time to start thinking about the plant swap that will be part of the October 24 East Tennessee Master Gardener Day.

 

At the 2008 Master Gardener Day many of the Master Gardeners said they did not know what a plant swap was, so let me explain. 

 

A plant swap is an event where people bring plants or garden related items to exchange with others interested in trading plants or items.  No money changes hands.  Tables and areas will be provided for different categories of plants, such as herbs, perennials, vines, houseplants, shrubs, water garden plants, etc.  Bring your plants in containers that are labeled and ready for someone to take for an addition to their garden or home. The containers and labels do not have to be fancy.  This is an opportunity to share your extras and trade for something you want.  If you do not have plants to share, it is okay, you will have an opportunity to select extras that others bring.  We hope you will multiply your plants and bring some for the next plant swap.  Pass along plants are always great fun.

You are not limited to plants; garden related items are also welcome.  

 

Spring is a terrific time to start seeds, divide overcrowded houseplants and perennials, and take cuttings.  When you are up-potting the seedlings, moving a root bound houseplant to a larger pot, digging up your perennials and dividing them, or taking cuttings from shrubs and vines, pot a few extras into pots they can grow in through out the summer.  The plants will have well-established root systems by October, which will make it a robust, healthy plant to share for the plant swap. 

 

As the growing season continues keep the plant swap in mind and prepare your extras for the event.

Plant Swap Guidelines

This year’s plant swap will have some simple guidelines. 

1. Drop off your plants, seeds, etc. before the days activites begin for the morning.

The swap area will be right outside our main meeting area. 

1. Have your plants and seeds labeled with the plant name. 
2. Bring a box, laundry basket, bucket or whatever you want to collect your plants in.  Put your name on your collection box. 
3. Plants, seeds and garden related items will be swapped on the honor system.

The most important guideline is swapping on the honor system. 

If you bring items you can make your selections in the morning before the speakers start and between morning sessions.  You can keep swapping items throughout the day. 

Make your selections from the tables in the middle of the swap area. 

Place your items in your box and place it along the side of the swap area. 

If you see plants along the side of the swap area, leave them alone, they belong to someone else. 

If you did not bring items for the swap you will be allowed to make selections during the last half of lunch, between and after the afternoon sessions.

By allowing the people that brought items to make selections in the morning, then opening the swap to all gardeners in the afternoon everyone will have a fair and fun opportunity. 

Help make this a great event by bringing something to swap.  Remember you can bring plants, seeds, and garden related items.  Honor the guidelines and have fun. 

Thank you,

Donna Little

Sevier County Area Master Gardener Association

Plant Swap Coordinator