There's no need to wait for spring to get geared up for gardening. Late winter is the perfect time for starting seeds, and community "seed swaps" are budding up all over Dallas.
These seed-sharing events mark the unofficial start of gardening season, where local growers come together to share stories and tips and, of course, bring seeds from their own gardens to share with neighbors. This method of acquiring seeds saves money, adds diversity to your garden, and builds community and knowledge.
You can find these events at garden group meet-ups and garden stores, but you can also find a fun one this weekend at the Dallas Public Library's Martin Luther King Jr. Branch.
A seed library
The Dallas Public Library expanded into the world of gardening last year when it launched a seed lending library at the central location downtown. There, cardholders can "check out" donated seeds (in little labeled envelopes) and are encouraged to replace them with their own after harvest in the fall.
On Feb. 3, the MLK Branch is hosting a Community Seed Swap, a free event where anyone can come and find some seeds for their garden. The Seed Library will provide a variety of free, open-pollinated vegetable, flower and herb seeds for everyone, plus a free take-home seed craft for kids. If you want to bring your own seeds to share (although it's not required), the library will provide envelopes and blank labels.
"We'll have lots of information and knowledgeable people there for beginner gardeners to learn more about how to be successful in the garden and get connected to the larger gardening community," says Mark Draz, a Dallas Public Library associate, via email.
Tour the seedling farm
Another bonus? You can also tour the recently opened Seedling Farm at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center's Freedom Garden, which is just a short walk from the library, and talk to the people who are running a multitude of urban agriculture projects in southern Dallas. Drew Demler will be on hand to talk about Big Tex Urban Farms, and the folks from Great Seed Bomb and Our Saviour Community Garden will also attend.
Plan your life
Community Seed Swap, Saturday, Feb. 3, from 2 to 5 p.m. Free. MLK Branch Library, 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Dallas. 214-670-0344. dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/seed-swap. If you want to learn more about seeds, visit seedsavers.org.
