Seed & Plant Share/Swap

---

🌱2026🌱

From Seeds to Community: Our Swap Events Keep Growing

Since the first Seed, Plant Share & Swap events, things have really taken off in the best possible way. The events continue to be very popular and well attended, with a lovely mix of familiar faces and new people joining us each time. It’s great to see a growing community forming around the swaps, where people come not just to exchange plants and seeds, but also to chat, share tips, and connect.

We’ve gradually increased the number of events too, and we’re now running them almost monthly from February right through to autumn (September or October), finishing up around the time we’re swapping seeds from the latest harvest. Having them more regularly has made it easier for people to drop in when they can, and it keeps the momentum going throughout the growing season.

As always, we’re swapping a mix of outdoor plants, seeds, and indoor plants, with a strong focus on pollinator-friendly and native Irish plants. There’s a real interest in supporting biodiversity, and it’s great to see more and more people bringing along plants that help bees and other pollinators thrive.

We’re also continuing to keep things as sustainable as possible. There’s lots of creativity when it comes to reusing materials – yogurt and noodle pots are a common sight as plant containers, and we make our own plant labels by cutting yogurt pots into strips. For seeds, we reuse old envelopes or make new ones from scrap paper using simple folds – no glue or tape needed. It all adds to the spirit of reducing waste and making the most of what we already have.

This year, we were delighted to welcome Swords Woodland Association and Broadmeadow Community Garden along to some of the events. They set up their own tables to share information about what they do, and it’s been a great addition – bringing more people in and helping to build even stronger links within the local community.

Overall, the swaps are continuing to grow in a really positive, friendly way, and it’s been fantastic to see so many people getting involved.

---

Sow, Grow, Share! Celebrating Our Expanding Seed & Plant Swap & Share Events in 2025

Here at Swords Tidy Towns, we’re buzzing with excitement for our Seed & Plant Swap & Share events in 2025! We’re happy to announce that due to high interest and demand, we’re doubling our events this year, from three to six!

Swap and Share: Everyone’s Welcome!

We call our events ‘Swap & Share’ for a very good reason. While many people come with an abundance of seeds, seedlings, and plants to exchange, we believe that everyone should have the chance to get growing. That’s why, if you don’t have anything to swap, we gladly share what we have. Our aim is to make gardening accessible to all, fostering a greener, more connected community.

Growing for Good: Food, Pollinators, and Wildlife!

Our core mission with these events is to empower our community. We passionately encourage everyone to try growing their own food. There’s immense satisfaction in harvesting your own produce, and it’s a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint!

Beyond edibles, we’re also huge advocates for pollinator and wildlife-friendly plants. These vital plants provide essential food and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other creatures, contributing directly to local biodiversity and ecosystem health.

The Power of Your Own Seeds

One of our favourite things to encourage is for people to collect their own seeds. Why is this so important? When you save seeds from your own successful plants, you’re not only saving money, but you’re also cultivating plants that are better adapted to your specific local conditions. This leads to stronger, healthier plants over time. It also helps to preserve genetic diversity and ensures you have a consistent supply of seeds for years to come. Plus, it’s an incredibly rewarding way to deepen your connection with nature!

More Than Just Swapping: A Community Hub

It’s been truly wonderful to see how these events have blossomed into vibrant community and networking hub. People come from well outside of Swords, all eager to participate, share knowledge, and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

What’s even more heartening is when people come back to us to share their success stories and excitement about what they’ve managed to grow from the seeds or plants they picked up at our swaps. These personal triumphs are exactly why we do what we do!

Stay tuned to our social media channels for dates and details for our 2025 Seed & Plant Swap & Share events. We can’t wait to see you there – whether you’re swapping, sharing, or just coming to learn and connect!