Plant Give and Take
…is an annual opportunity for local gardeners to share their excess plants with the community. Donors can bring in plants and swap for new varieties. The public can shop for hardy, locally grown plants by making a ” free will” contribution to the library.
Details:
When is the event?
The event takes place under the library portico in late May or early June on a Saturday morning. There are usually “donation intake” hours on Friday afternoon to allow us to better organize plants. At the Saturday event we allow swapping and “shopping”. Hours are usually from 9:30am-12:30pm. Look for details in the FOL newsletter and on posters.
What is a “free will” donation?
A “free will” donation is when you make a contribution that you think is fair for the items that you are taking. There will be a donation jar and only CASH is accepted. All proceeds go to the CPH Library.
How to Donate plants:
Outdoor plants should be brought in BARE ROOT (no soil) only, with labels attached (information below). We will accept houseplants in soil, as well as home-grown seedlings. We will also accept new or opened packets of seeds no more than 3 years old. We cannot accept other garden items (like pots/tools/magazines) due to lack of space.
HOW TO PREP YOUR PLANTS
By bringing your plants in “bare root,” you are helping prevent the spread of pests, diseases and invasive species such as the Asian Jumping Worm. Protect yourself and protect your community by sharing your plants in a responsible way! (FYI – Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County is a great resource for home gardening questions.)
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- Water plants thoroughly the night before digging.
- Dig up, then gently hose off or swish roots in clean water until soil is gone. (doing a “triple wash” in three separate buckets is considered to be the best practice!) Check the crown of the plant and remove worms, grubs and beetles.
- Wrap roots loosely in newspaper or a paper towel. Milk or larger yogurt containers work well also.
- Tuck plant into an open container (ziplocs in a quart or gallon size work well). Milk or larger yogurt containers also work.
- Add some water to keep roots damp. Keep in a shaded area with the top open, adding a little water as needed. (Dump most excess water before transporting.)
- Label plants to the best of your ability. Our paper labels can easily be stapled at the top of a baggie. (Labels are available in the Library foyer around May 1) Or print from this link.
- Need to dig earlier? Most plants will do well for a week or more if kept in a container of water and kept in the shade. Transfer to baggies (as suggested above) for the sale day.