Celebrate National Seed Swap Day

January 25 is National Seed Swap Day, a chance for gardeners to share seeds, knowledge and inspiration. These community events allow individuals and organizations to exchange saved and extra seeds from their favorite vegetables, flowers and herbs. They also often include gardening stories and wisdom to help plants flourish.

 According to Seed Savers Exchange (SeedSavers.org), the day was established by Kathy Jentz, editor and publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine, and the first official event was held on January 26, 2006. Although this annual celebration is officially observed on the last Saturday of January, swaps are held throughout the fall and winter months. These gatherings encourage gardeners to explore new plants, foster connections and kick off their garden planning for the year. For tips on organizing a local seed swap, visit
SeedSavers.org/how-to-organize-a-seed-swap.

Seed swaps offer more than just seeds—they’re opportunities to preserve our seed heritage, encourage sustainability and strengthen local gardening communities. By saving and sharing locally grown seeds, gardeners help keep heirloom varieties alive, make unused seeds available to others and cultivate plants that thrive in our area’s climate. Historically, seed saving was essential for future harvests. Today, these grassroots events maintain resilient, family-favorite varieties while also introducing gardeners to new ones.

Seed swap activities vary from event to event, but participants can usually expect tables filled with labeled seed envelopes and information about the plants they produce. Some events may also include workshops on topics like composting, heirloom vegetables or pollinator gardening, guest speakers, seed-starting demonstrations or crafts.

Gardeners planning to participate should bring saved seeds in labeled envelopes or jars, along with notes about the plant variety, growing tips and any special stories. Those new to seed swapping are often encouraged to attend, even without seeds to trade.

These are some of the seed swap events planned for the Chicago area in 2025. Most events are free unless otherwise noted. Call ahead to confirm dates and times, as they may change. Some events also offer “snow days” in case of bad weather.

January 12

Conservation@Home: Seed Swap
Noon to 2 p.m.
River Trail Nature Center,
3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook
Ages 13 and up
847-824-8360 
fpdcc.com

Native Plant Seed Swap & Giveaway
1-3 p.m.
Schaumburg Public Library
130 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg
847-923-3347
SchaumburgLibrary.org/events

January 19

Conservation@Home: Winter Seed Sowing
1:30 p.m.
River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook
Ages 13 and up
847-824-8360 
fpdcc.com/event/conservationhome-winter-seed-sowing

January 25

Seed Swap/Intercambio de semillas
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aurora Public Library,
555 Eola Rd., Aurora (Mtg. Rm. 108)
630-264-4117
AuroraPublicLibrary.org/event/12011929

Super Seed Saturday and Seed Swap
See website for event schedule
Regenstein Center, Chicago Botanic Garden,
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Free with garden admission
847-835-6801
ChicagoBotanic.org/seedswap

Extension Seed Swaps
TBD: Naperville, St. Charles and Yorkville
Extension.Illinois.edu/dkk/gardening-and-growing

January 26

Seed Swap at the Oak Park Conservatory
Noon to 2 p.m.
Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park
708-725-2400
UpcomingEvents.com/chicago/events/oak-park-conservatory/seed-swap-340874

February 1

Seed Swap CARE’s 11th Annual Seed Exchange
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
White Oak Library District, Lockport Branch
121 E. 8th St., Lockport
815-552-4185
WhiteOak.LibraryCalendar.com/event/care-seed-exchange-16834

The Great Seed Event
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MCC Cafeteria, McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. 14, Crystal Lake
815-479-7563
EventBrite.com/e/the-great-seed-event-tickets-1002343054057

Seed Swap at The Morton Arboretum
Noon to 3 p.m.
Arbor Room, Thornhill Education Center, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle
Free with arboretum admission
630-719-2468
MortonArb.org/explore/activities/adult-programs/seed-swap

February 8

Conservation@Home: Seed Swap & Plant Exchange
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, S. Western Ave. & W 87th St., Chicago
224-763-4317
fpdcc.com/event/conservationhome-seed-swap-plant-exchange-3

Seed Swap at the Park District of
Franklin Park
11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Community Center, 9560 Franklin Ave., Franklin Park
847-455-2852
fpparks.org/event/seed-swap

February 22

Sustain DuPage Seed Swap
1 to 3 p.m.
Wheaton Public Library, 22 N. Cross St., Wheaton
630-668-1374
SustainDuPage.com/calendar

March 8

Extension Master Gardener Seed Expo at College of Lake County
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake
Facebook.com/events/581522687659879