May 5 - Plant and Seed Swap

On May 5 at 5:30 pm the RPMGA will host its annual Plant Swap at the RECAP shed at the Rock County Farm. 

The frost-free date is coming soon.  Official readings from the US Weather Service show the first week of May as frost free, however there is a 10% possibility that it could be a few days earlier, or even a few days later.  Either way, it is time to get ready to plant!

Bring your extra vegetable and flower sets, and excess seeds to the swap. 

Home grown sets.

Commercial seed packets

Hand-made seed packets.

If you have begun digging and dividing your perennials bring those plants to trade for others.  Bring divides from your houseplants as well. 

Dividing can make many of one.

There are many plant types you can share:

• Perennial flowers
• Foliage plants
• Ground covers
• Flower seedlings
• Vegetable seedlings
• Tubers, bulbs or rhizomes
• Houseplants
• Older seeds that are likely still viable
• Extra seeds you aren't likely to use this year.

If you don't have plants or seeds to share, just bring your experiences and expertise to share with others.

We'll talk about open-pollinated vs. heirloom seeds, what will grow successfully if planted in-ground now, average seed life and germination testing, any unusual specimens we get, and anything else that comes up.

Viability testing.

Do you have lots of seeds from years past? 

Ruth Flescher will demonstrate the practice of germination testing to check seed viability.

Label the plants you bring with whatever you know about them and how to take care of them.  If seeds aren’t in their original packets provide what you know:  depth to plant seed, days to germination, how far apart to thin, days to maturity, height and width at maturity.

This is a master gardener approved continuing education program.  Attendance will earn you 1 continuing education unit per hour (1 CEU).

DIRECTIONS:  The entrance to the Rock County Farm is on Highway 14 East, just east of the intersection of North Highway 51 and Highway 14.  Once you enter the grounds follow the road to the left until you reach the Community Gardens.  Continue to the right to the RECAP building which will be on your left.  The front doors will be open.  Looking forward to seeing you!

Note: MGVs from Walworth, Green and Jefferson Counties are being invited to join us for this event.