{"id":32667,"date":"2025-05-28T08:30:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T12:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/?p=32667"},"modified":"2025-05-27T22:00:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T02:00:20","slug":"how-to-get-free-seeds-and-plants-a-guide-for-gardeners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/how-to-get-free-seeds-and-plants-a-guide-for-gardeners\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Free Seeds and Plants: A Guide for Gardeners"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}<\/style><p>Starting a garden can get costly if you&rsquo;re not careful. It&rsquo;s easy to become distracted by all the beautiful plants and flowers while visiting a nursery, and it can be challenging to resist the urge to scoop them all up and head to the checkout counter. But, the secret to successfully gardening without busting your budget is finding free seeds and plants. That way, you can save money without skipping on getting your hands on all those wonderful plants you want.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We&rsquo;ve spoken to the experts and will show you how to get free seeds and plants <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">so you can<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> start growing your garden without spending a dime.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Seed Swaps and Exchanges<\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32004\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32004\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32004\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32004\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32004 eager-load\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201280%20720'%3E%3Crect%20width='1280'%20height='720'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/community-garden-sign-on-a-fence-with-garden-beds-150x84.jpg 150w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-32004\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Did you know<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> there <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">are<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> events where you can barter <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the seeds you have<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for new types?<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Community gardens, farmer&rsquo;s markets, and local gardening clubs hold events where gardeners can meet up and swap seeds. To find local events, you can use seed swap directories such as <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/exchange.seedsavers.org\/home#:~:text=Seed%20Savers%20Exchange,Start%20searching%20seeds!\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Seed Savers Exchange<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainablefoodplaces.org\/blogs\/jan24-find-a-seed-swap-near-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sustainable Food Places<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You can also check with your local library, online gardening groups, and nurseries. Another option is to host your <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">own<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> seed swap with fellow gardeners you know.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Online Gardening Groups and Communities<\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32778\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32778\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32778\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden-.jpg\" alt=\"Happy multiracial senior women having fun during harvest period in the garden \" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden-.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32778\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32778 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden-.jpg\" alt=\"Happy multiracial senior women having fun during harvest period in the garden \" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden-.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden--1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Happy-multiracial-senior-women-having-fun-during-harvest-period-in-the-garden-.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-32778\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Joining gardening groups and forums is another excellent way to find free seeds and plants. You can find local groups on Facebook where people in your area may be looking to trade plants and seeds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/ahsgardening.org\/gardening-resources\/societies-clubs-organizations\/clubs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The American Horticultural Society<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is another resource for finding gardening clubs in your area. They break it down by region, and you can research various clubs in your state. In addition to finding seed swaps and exchanges, getting involved in groups and clubs connects you with other gardeners who can share their knowledge on all types of gardening topics.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Check Companies for Free Seeds and Plant Giveaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32779\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32779\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32779\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products.jpg\" alt=\"Group of seed catalogs from a variety of companies advertising their products\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32779\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32779 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products.jpg\" alt=\"Group of seed catalogs from a variety of companies advertising their products\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Group-of-seed-catalogs-from-a-variety-of-companies-advertising-their-products.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-32779\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: eurobanks\/Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sometimes, you can find free seed offers and promotional giveaways from various companies. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A simple online search can help you find<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">various<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> places <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">that are<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> offering free seeds. For instance, <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"http:\/\/freeheirloomseeds.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Free Heirloom Seeds<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"http:\/\/gardenary.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Gardenary<\/span><\/a> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">offer<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> ways to get free seeds. They ask you to pay for postage, but it&rsquo;s still a cheap way to start your garden.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You can also check with your local home and garden centers. Once, Ace Hardware gave us a free Dogwood tree cutting! It never hurts to call around and see if companies are offering promotional offers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ask Your Friends, Family, and Neighbors<\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32780\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32780\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32780\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil.jpg\" alt=\"Unrecognizable woman holding a green seedling growing in soil. Anonymous female organic farmer protecting a young plant in her garden. Sustainable female farmer planting a sapling on her farm.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32780\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32780 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil.jpg\" alt=\"Unrecognizable woman holding a green seedling growing in soil. Anonymous female organic farmer protecting a young plant in her garden. Sustainable female farmer planting a sapling on her farm.\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil-1080x608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/woman-holding-a-green-seedling-growing-in-soil.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-32780\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>One of the easiest ways to find free plants and seeds is to tap into your network of friends, family, and neighbors. If you know anyone who also loves gardening, you can ask them if they have any additional seeds on hand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ask if they mind if you take cuttings from their plants so you can start your own. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is another opportunity to trade if you have a plant they would also like to propagate.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Libraries and Botanical Gardens<\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32397\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32397\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32397\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046.jpg\" alt=\"Philadelphia, PA\/USA-Feb 29, 2020: The 2020 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, &ldquo;Riviera Holiday,&rdquo; at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The event continues through March 8\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32397\" class=\"size-full wp-image-32397 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046.jpg\" alt=\"Philadelphia, PA\/USA-Feb 29, 2020: The 2020 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, &ldquo;Riviera Holiday,&rdquo; at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The event continues through March 8\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-design-2025-02-08T015527.046.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-32397\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: JWCohen \/ Shutterstock.com.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Libraries have many resources for gardeners, including free seeds. Contact your local library to see if they have a seed library program you can participate in. Botanical gardens also have seed libraries where you can borrow, save, and return seeds when you harvest.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You can search online for a botanical garden near you or utilize directories from sites such as <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/ahsgardening.org\/gardening-programs\/rap\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">American Horticultural Society<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> or the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.publicgardens.org\/garden-finder\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">American Public Gardens Association<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Save Seeds or Propagate Plants from Food Scraps<\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_31664\" style=\"width: 1610px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31664\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31664\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping.jpg\" alt=\"different containers of seeds ready for swapping.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31664\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31664 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping.jpg\" alt=\"different containers of seeds ready for swapping.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/seeds-ready-for-swapping.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-31664\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Now, this doesn&rsquo;t always work because grocery stores tend to sell &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/bonnieplants.com\/blogs\/garden-fundamentals\/what-is-an-heirloom-what-is-a-hybrid#:~:text=A%20hybrid%20vegetable%20is%20created,of%20the%20same%20plant%20species.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hybrid&rdquo; vegetables and fruits<\/a>, which means they are modified to have specific traits. This makes them either not grow true to type or may not produce viable seeds. However, there are some vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers, that you can save seeds from, depending on the type.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You can also propagate vegetables and herbs from food scraps to start new plants. Lettuce, celery, potatoes, onions, and ginger can be grown from plant propagation. The next time you have onions or potatoes sprouting on your counter, take the opportunity to try to grow them instead of tossing them in the trash.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Use These Resources to Get Free Seeds and Plants for Your Garden this Year<\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_31662\" style=\"width: 1610px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31662\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31662\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds.jpg\" alt=\"Small packets of flower and vegetable seeds.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31662\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31662 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds.jpg\" alt=\"Small packets of flower and vegetable seeds.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/vegetables-and-flowers-seeds.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-31662\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As you can see, there are many ways to get <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">ahold of<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> free plants and seeds. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> can drastically reduce expenses when starting your garden this year. Use all these ways to get various plants, herbs, and flowers to grow a flourishing garden or add to your beloved houseplant collection.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Starting a garden can get costly if you&rsquo;re not careful. It&rsquo;s easy to become distracted by all the beautiful plants and flowers while visiting a nursery, and it can be challenging to resist the urge to scoop them all up and head to the checkout counter. But, the secret to successfully gardening without busting your &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":32231,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"facebook_10221051259244574_368195523200635":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8085],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[8079],"class_list":["post-32667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gardening"],"authors":[{"term_id":8079,"user_id":32,"is_guest":0,"slug":"katbrancato","display_name":"Kat Brancato","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kat-Brancato-Bio-Pic-e1738796743196.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kat-Brancato-Bio-Pic-e1738796743196.png"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""}],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":32231,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/gardening-planting-at-home.-man-sowing-seeds-in-germination-box-300x169.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32667","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32667"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32667\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32782,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32667\/revisions\/32782"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32667"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=32667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}