There's no better way to unite a community than through food (well, maybe music comes close!). Now that many are growing their own food from seed, why not host a crop swap? It’s a fun and easy way to connect with others. Participants bring their extra produce or plant starts to share, then leave with fresh food or new plants from fellow community members. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Suggestions
- Set a Regular Time & Promote: Choose a consistent day and time each week for your crop swap and make sure to spread the word through social media, local bulletin boards, and word of mouth.
- Create a Sign-In Sheet: Have a sign-in sheet to collect names and emails of newcomers so you can add them to your mailing list for future events and updates.
- Share Seed Library Info: Have brochures available that explain your seed library and the basics of seed saving, encouraging others to get involved.
- Seed Cleaning Opportunity: Depending on the size of your group and the vibe of your event, you can sometimes use the swap as a chance to clean seeds together, as some folks may come just as much for the community as for the produce.
- Plan for Bad Weather: Have a backup plan in place in case of bad weather—whether it’s moving indoors or rescheduling, make sure everyone knows what to expect.
- Host a Class or Event: Consider offering a class or orientation about the seed library, or host a fun community event like a Tomato Festival immediately following the swap.
- Invite Local Experts: Reach out to Master Gardeners or other local gardening experts to set up a table at your swap. They can answer questions, offer advice, and provide valuable resources for your community.
- Have a System: One way to organize the swap is by using playing cards. Give each participant a card when they arrive—starting with aces for the first two people, then 2's for the next two, and so on. Set a specific time (e.g., 15 minutes after the start) before anyone can begin choosing items. This gives people time to arrive, chat, and encourages them to show up on time for first pick. The aces go first, each selecting one item, followed by the 2's, and so on. Once everyone has taken one item, the table is open for additional exchanges.
Etiquette
Good etiquette for a crop swap ensures that everyone has a positive, fair, and enjoyable experience. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
1. Bring More Than You Take
- Fairness is key. Aim to bring a variety of items to share, and try not to take more than you contribute. This helps ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to exchange.
- Only bring your best. Offer produce, plants, or seeds that are in good condition—fresh, healthy, and free from pests or disease. If you’re sharing seeds, make sure they’re clearly labeled and viable.
- Arrive on time. Arriving at the designated start time ensures you can participate in the swap fairly and gives you a chance to chat with others before the exchange begins.
- Label items clearly. If you’re sharing seeds or plants, provide as much information as possible, such as variety, growing tips, and whether it’s organic or hybrid. This builds trust and makes the exchange more meaningful.
- Be respectful of others. Give people space and take turns, especially when the swap is busy. Be patient while others are choosing items, and don’t rush or push to grab the best items first.
- Take only what you need. Avoid taking more than one of each item until everyone has had a chance to pick. This ensures that there’s enough for everyone, especially for newcomers or people with smaller harvests.
- Offer tips or advice. If someone asks about growing tips or how to use a particular vegetable or plant, share your knowledge! Crop swaps are also about building community and learning from each other.
- Follow the event guidelines. If there are specific rules (like no early picking, no selling items, etc.), make sure to follow them. These rules are there to ensure fairness and a smooth experience for everyone.
- Don’t leave a mess. If you have items left over after the swap, be willing to take them back home. This keeps the event space tidy and shows respect for the organizers and other participants.
- Express gratitude. Whether you're taking home a prized tomato or sharing some extra zucchini, a simple "thank you" goes a long way in building positive connections in your community.
Resources
- How to start a crop swap from Shareable.net
- Growing Demand. Crop Swaps Gaining Ground from Shareable.net
- How to Join a Crop Swap from Milkwood
Organize a Plant Exchange
You can have a plant exchange as part of your weekly crop swap or you can go all out like this community group in Oakland that holds an amazing plant exchange twice a year with hundreds of folks showing up and thousands of plants exchanged. Here's a bit about the Lakeshore Plant Exchange and there are some resources to support other communities start an exchange.
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