Annual Seed Swap & Scion Exchange, March 29, 12-4 p.m. in Unity
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is hosting its annual Seed Swap & Scion Exchange. This free community event is a perfect way to start the growing season. The event takes place on Sunday, March 29 at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center, 294 Crosby Brook Road, Unity, Maine.
At the Seed Swap & Scion Exchange, participants will find a wide variety of vegetable, flower, fruit, and native plant seeds, as well as scionwood (fruit tree clippings that are used to propagate new plants), to take home — all donated by gardeners, seed companies, farms, and organizations from across Maine and the Northeast.
“After a cold winter, the Seed Swap & Scion Exchange is a sign of joy and hope here in our communities and in the days to come,” says Anna Libby, community education director at MOFGA. “We celebrate the season with the free sharing of what we have with our neighbors, the thought of the gardens and orchards that will nourish our families and friends, and the opportunity to gather together.”
Other offerings such as house-plant cuttings, kombucha starters, and hatchling eggs may also be available. Community members are welcome to join and take seeds and scionwood home from the swap tables, even if they don’t have their own seeds and scions to contribute. There is always plenty to go around!
“MOFGA offers a diversity of educational opportunities for home gardeners and farmers to prepare for, and be successful in, their growing efforts,” says Madi Whaley, MOFGA’s educational programs coordinator. “We have many organic ‘how-to’ resources on our website from how to manage pests organically to how to cook and enjoy the fruits of your labor.”
Beyond the seed and scion swap tables, attendees will find a variety of other ways to participate. Multiple garden-related organizations and vendors will be present, as will The Moody Dog — with hot food for sale. Custom grafting (producing a new fruit tree with scionwood) is available by donation to the Maine Heritage Orchard. Throughout the day, participants can take part in workshops on topics such as seed saving, native plants, and fruit trees. This family-friendly event also includes two ongoing offerings perfect for kids: a maple sugaring demonstration, and a seed painting workshop led by Waterville Creates.
Learn more about the Seed Swap & Scion Exchange on MOFGA’s website, and check out volunteer opportunities to support this event’s programming.
The snow date for the event is April 5.