The following article was written by Deena Larsen and Tammy O’Connor, the co-founders of Lakeshore Seed Collective.
The 6th Annual Lakeshore Area Seed Swap will be held in the Balkansky Room of Manitowoc Public Library on Saturday, February 28, from 9 AM to noon. The public is invited to take part in the Seed Swap—no need to bring seeds of your own to “swap.” Just stop in, pick up some seeds, and enjoy the great conversations and gathering of gardeners.
One of the goals for the Seed Swap is to encourage people to save seeds. The Lakeshore Seed Collective is hoping that more people will save and bring seeds to the event. One can find all sorts of resources at the library and online about how to save particular varieties. When dropping off or bringing your own seeds, put a few seeds in an envelope, labeling it with the name, variety, year, and quantity of seeds. Junk mail envelopes work well for packaging.
Many seeds that people plant are hybrids. Saving seeds from a hybrid is not a good idea as the next generation may not be like the parent plant. One should save open-pollinated or heirloom seeds. The only difference between the two is that heirloom seeds typically have a story attached to them and the variety has been around for more than fifty years.
At the 2025 Seed Swap, seeds from the Chumash Indians from California were made available. We are excited to see if people were successful in growing these plants and saving the seeds.
Deena Larsen and Tammy O’Connor
While at the Seed Swap, you are encouraged to ask questions and share your gardening stories with others who are there. This year, Amber Daugs from Grow it Forward will be coordinating the event. In addition, Annette Paul from the Manitowoc County Master Gardeners will be there.
If you have seeds you don’t plan to use, you can drop them off at Manitowoc Public Library anytime leading up to the event. There is a colorful box near the main circulation desk. Donating seeds in advance will allow volunteers time to organize the seeds. Most vegetable seeds are viable for 2-4 years if stored properly. Heirloom varieties are encouraged.
There is no cost for this event. Bring seeds to share, take seeds you are interested in planting. Again, no need to bring seeds if you don’t have any to share. Small envelopes will be provided.
If you have questions, please check out the Lakeshore Seed Collective’s Facebook page or email Tammy or Deena at lakeshoreseedcollective@gmail.com. Additional information about the event can be found on Manitowoc Public Library’s event calendar (www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/6th-annual-lakeshore-area-seed-swap-25863).
