Kendall Master Gardeners to host annual seed swap Feb. 5

Do you want to expand your plant varieties, or are you new to gardening? Get a jump on the growing season with the fifth annual Kendall County Master Gardener Community Seed Swap in Yorkville. Registration is open for the free event set for Saturday, Feb. 5, with 30-minute time slots from 9 a.m. to noon.

“Seed swap participants can choose from a variety of free seeds, including vegetables, flowers, herbs and native plants,” said Sarah Fellerer, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program coordinator in Kendall County. ”It is a great way to diversify your garden or try growing something new, and our trained Master Gardener volunteers will be available for questions.”

Collected seeds will be labeled and come with care instructions. If gardeners would like to bring seeds to share, they should make sure the seeds are fresh, labeled, and not from F1 hybrids so they grow true to type, Fellerer said.

This year, participants are required to register for a 30-minute time slot. Physical distancing and face coverings will be required. Learn more or save your spot at go.illinois.edu/2022KendallSeedSwap.

The event will be at the U of I Extension office in Kendall County, 7775B Route 47, Yorkville, about a mile south of Route 71. For questions, call the office at 630-553-5823 or email fellerer@illinois.edu.