GRAVETTE -- The Gravette Public Library invites local gardeners to share saved or surplus vegetable, herb and flower seeds at a seed exchange to be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the library.
"This event is for anyone interested in gardening," said Karen Benson, library director. "I believe that there's something for everyone, whether someone is planning their first garden or has gardened for years."
Beginning gardeners are welcome to participate even if they have no seeds to exchange. Gardeners who wish to exchange 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 family for easy browsing.
Envelopes will be provided so that people can take a small quantity of seeds from the varieties offered. Attendees are encouraged to not bring GMO seeds or seeds collected from hybrid plants as they won't grow true to type.
There will be a display 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 have a drawing for door prizes that include a microgreens kit and a garden tool set.
Admission is free. This event is part of the Grow It -- Cook It -- Save It program offered by the library. One hundred packets of seeds have been donated by the Seed Savers Exchange through the Herman's Garden Seed Donation Program. The Grow It -- Cook It -- Save It program is supported by a Penguin Random House Small & Rural Libraries Grant.
Visit the Gravette Community Calendar for information about related activities and events. The link to the calendar is available through the websites of the Gravette Public Library, the city of Gravette, the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce and the Gravette School District.
The Gravette Public Library is located at 119 Main Street S.E.