GRAVETTE — The Gravette Public Library invites local gardeners to share saved or surplus vegetable, herb and flower seeds at a Seed Swap to be held Saturday, March 17. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library, located at 119 Main Street S.E. It is sponsored by the Bank of Gravett.
Gardeners who wish to swap seeds should arrive with their seeds in envelopes or bags labeled with the common name and variety as well as any special growing instructions such as sun and soil moisture requirements and planting depths. They may exchange seeds directly with other gardeners or may organize their seeds into bins arranged by plant families for easy browsing.
"This event provides an opportunity for gardeners to try new varieties and for beginning gardeners to learn from more experienced ones," said Karen Benson, library supervisor. "Envelopes will be provided so that, as people browse, they can take what they like from the varieties offered."
Beginning gardeners are welcome to participate even if they have no seeds to exchange. One hundred packets of seeds are being donated by the Seed Savers Exchange through the Herman's Garden Seed Donation Program.
Members of the Benton County Master Gardeners and the Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists will be available to answer questions. There will be a demonstration of the square-foot gardening method created by Mel Bartholomew and described in his book All New Square Foot Gardening. A seed planting activity will be available for children.
The library will raffle items, including a garden kneeler bench and several baskets including a basket donated by Ree Drummond, star of The Pioneer Woman television series.
Admission is free. Raffle tickets may be purchased for $5 each on the day of the event.
Please do not bring GMO seeds or seeds collected from hybrid plants as they won't grow true to type.
General News on 03/07/2018