Bring Your Extra Plants and Seeds to the Library's Native Plant and Seed Swap

For more than a decade, the Seed Library at the Irene H. Ruiz Branch has provided flower, herb, and vegetable seeds for patrons to “check out.” That translates to free seeds.

Ruiz Branch Manager Jimmy Thomas says the Seed Library is the location’s “go-to tag.” He adds that it offers more than that, including gardening workshops, classes, and “a general sense of ways to experience the outdoors.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5-7 p.m., new and experienced gardeners are invited to stop by for a native plant and seed swap. Patrons can bring extra plants from their gardens, unused seeds, or rooted cuttings that need a new home and swap them with other plant lovers.

The event supports local biodiversity and gives patrons a chance to save some money.

“You can go through all the seasons,” says former Library staffer and patron Sid Shelby, who’s harvested beans, watermelon, and corn this year with seeds from the Seed Library.

The Ruiz Branch is teaming up with Deep Roots and the Kansas City Native Plant Swap to host the native plant and seed swap.

Kay Thomason, outdoor education and outreach program coordinator at Deep Roots, teaches best practices for transplanting native plants, including Purple Coneflower.

“Leave a little leeway for some of these roots,” Thomason describes on the organization’s Facebook page, “and start digging around.”

She adds, “Be cautious of plants with taproots. Things like Prairie Dock or Common Milkweed have deep taproots, so you want to get those when they’re small. And make sure you get the entire taproot, or it’s not going to transfer well.”

Here are a few tips for the native plant and seed swap:

• Bring surplus native seeds and trade them for new varieties.
• If possible, clearly label the seeds in small paper envelopes with the common and scientific names, year of collection, and location.
• Contribute only native plants suited to the Kansas City region to avoid introducing invasive plants.
• Bring healthy, pest-free plants, cuttings, seeds, or garden extras. Plants can be potted or bare root.

Staff at the Ruiz Branch and community partners will assist anyone who wants to make a trade.