Growing Together: Open Forum

Several companies and organizations offer free or low‑cost seed donations to educators and youth programs. A few reliable options include:

• Seed Savers Exchange – Occasional donations for school and community programs. https://seedsavers.org 

• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – Known to support educational gardens when contacted directly. https://www.rareseeds.com 

• High Mowing Organic Seeds – Offers donations for school and nonprofit projects. https://www.highmowingseeds.com

• Johnny's Selected Seeds – Provides seed donations for educational and community initiatives. https://www.johnnyseeds.com

• Local Master Gardener groups or Extension offices – Often share leftover seeds or host swaps. https://extension.org

• Local nurseries or garden centers – Many donate end‑of‑season plants or extra seed packets when asked.

• Community seed libraries – Public libraries or garden clubs frequently host free seed exchanges.

• Local farms or growers – Many are happy to donate surplus seedlings or cuttings for youth programs.

• Neighborhood plant swaps – Great for hardy, locally adapted plants that do well in school gardens.

If anyone has additional sources or recent experiences with donations, please add them so we can build a helpful list for all our school and youth gardens.

Thanks!