Want to grow a garden without spending a small fortune on seeds? You’re not alone.
Smart gardeners have been finding free and cheap seeds for generations through community programs, online exchanges, and simple seed-saving techniques. This guide reveals exactly where to find them and how to build your own sustainable seed collection.
Seed Libraries
Seed libraries are popping up in communities across the country. They work more or less like book libraries, but for seeds; you “check out” seeds in spring, grow them in your garden, then “return” some of the seeds you harvest in fall.
Most seed libraries are housed in public libraries, community centers, or co-op stores. The seeds are often heirloom or open-pollinated varieties that perform well in your local climate, and you can often find some unusual varieties that aren’t easy to find in stores. Somewhat ironically, urban and suburban libraries especially have embraced these programs as part of sustainability initiatives.
To find a seed library near you, check the Seed Library Network, check the Community Seed Network, call your public library, or search online for “seed library” and your city name. If your area doesn’t have one yet, consider suggesting it. Many libraries are eager to start these popular community programs.
Universities
Universities are incredible sources for free seeds, especially if they have agriculture, horticulture, or botany programs. Here’s how to take advantage of these resources:
Extensions
University extension offices exist in nearly every county, and they’re designed to share research with the public. Extension agents regularly distribute seeds for educational purposes, host workshops with seed giveaways, and run demonstration gardens where you can collect seeds at the end of the season.
Student Organization Events
College horticulture clubs, environmental groups, and sustainability organizations frequently host public events. These might include seed swaps, Earth Day celebrations, or educational workshops. Students are often eager to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with community members.
Research Departments
University research departments sometimes have surplus seeds from completed studies. While you can’t just walk in and ask, attending their public lectures, campus tours, or open houses often includes opportunities to take home plant materials or seeds.
Be sure to follow relevant departments on social media to keep an eye out for any advertised seed giveaways.
Seed Swaps
Seed swaps are one of the most accessible ways to get seeds. If you don’t already have one nearby, you could even start one yourself.
In-Person
Local seed swaps typically happen in late winter or early spring when gardeners are planning their season. Check community calendars, library event listings, botanical gardens, and gardening group announcements. These events usually involve bringing seeds you’ve saved or purchased to trade with others, but some are also happy to give seeds away to beginners without expecting a trade.
r/seedswap
Reddit’s r/seedswap community is incredibly active and welcoming to newcomers. Members regularly offer free seeds, though you typically just pay shipping (usually $3 to $5). The community has clear rules about fair trading, proper packaging, and communication that make exchanges safe and successful, but it does mean that you typically need to have at least a few seeds to get started.
Facebook Groups
Facebook has become a goldmine for seed trading. Local gardening groups regularly share surplus seeds, especially in late winter when people are cleaning out their collections. Search on Facebook for things like “Gardening,” “Plant Swap,” or “Buy Nothing” paired with the name of your city or neighborhood.
These groups work differently than formal seed swaps. Members often post photos of available seeds that are up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s casual, friendly, and incredibly generous. Don’t be shy about introducing yourself as a new gardener. Most gardeners love helping beginners get started.
Other Online Options
Other online communities include GardenWeb forums and the SeedSavers.org exchange network. Each platform has its own culture and rules, but all are built around gardeners’ natural generosity.
Community Gardens
Community gardens are natural hubs for seed sharing, even if you don’t rent a plot yourself. Many organize group seed purchases, end-of-season seed collection events, and educational workshops open to the public.
Some community gardens have “seed libraries” on site, tool lending programs, and mentorship opportunities where experienced gardeners help newcomers get started. The collaborative spirit of community gardening extends naturally to seed sharing.
Online Programs
The internet offers numerous opportunities for free or low-cost seeds, though you do typically need to pay shipping costs (usually $3 to $10).
Garden bloggers and influencers frequently host seed giveaways, and some offer seeds seasonally or even all year long.
I’ve personally had good experiences getting seeds from:
- The Seed Girl
- Free Heirloom Seeds
- Going to Seed
- Gardenary (only available seasonally)
- Origin and North
While shipping costs mean these aren’t technically “free,” you’re still getting seeds at a fraction of retail cost and often for varieties you can’t find locally.
If you know of any other great online sources, let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to my list!
SNAP/EBT
If you receive SNAP benefits, you can use your EBT card to purchase seeds and starter plants for food crops in most states. This isn’t “free” seeds, but it’s using benefits you already have to grow food that will significantly stretch your grocery budget.
Seeds purchased with SNAP dollars can produce hundreds of dollars worth of fresh vegetables. Most major retailers that accept EBT (Walmart, Target, many grocery stores) allow seed purchases. Just ensure you’re buying seeds for edible plants rather than ornamental flowers.
Save Your Own
The most sustainable and independent source of free seeds is your own garden and kitchen. Once you start saving seeds, you create a renewable cycle where each year’s garden provides seeds for the next.
Grocery Store Produce
Many fruits and vegetables from the grocery store contain viable seeds. Here are some easy ones to try:
Tomatoes are so simple to save seeds from. Scoop out seeds, ferment in water for 3 to 5 days, then clean and dry them thoroughly.
Peppers are even easier. Just remove seeds and dry them on paper towels for about a week. You can preserve squash and melon seeds the same way.
You can save beans and peas by letting some pods dry on purchased plants, then harvesting the dried seeds.
A couple things to keep in mind, though:
A lot of grocery store produce is bred or modified specifically to either prevent seed production or prevent seeds from growing well. As a result, germination rates can vary wildly.
In addition, a lot of grocery store produce is actually hybridized, so even if it does germinate, what it produces is likely to look very different from the fruit or veggie the seed came from.
Look for heirloom or open-pollinated varieties for best results.
Native Plants
Collecting seeds from native plants benefits both your garden and local ecosystem. Native plants are perfectly adapted to your climate and soil, require less water and care, and support local wildlife.
Only collect from abundant populations, never from rare plants or private property without permission. Many native plants require special seed treatment (cold stratification, scarification) but reward you with plants that thrive in local conditions.
Plants in Your Garden
Once you have a garden established, save seeds from your best-performing plants. Focus on open-pollinated varieties (not hybrids), your healthiest and most productive plants, and plants that handle your specific growing conditions well.
Good candidates for seed saving include tomatoes, peppers, beans, peas, lettuce, herbs, and most flowers. Proper drying and storage will keep seeds viable for several years.
Growing More than Just Plants
The secret to successful free seed hunting isn’t just knowing where to look. It’s becoming part of the gardening community. Your garden grown from free seeds won’t just save you money. It will connect you to a community of growers and give you the satisfaction of truly sustainable gardening.
Start with one source that appeals to you. Check out your library’s seed program, join a local Facebook gardening group, or try saving seeds from grocery store vegetables. Then, you can start saving from your own garden to keep supplies going for years to come!
What are your favorite seed sources? Any that I’ve missed? Any tips for saving seeds? Share the knowledge in the comments!
