Plant Give and Take

Anyone interested in gardening is invited to attend the annual Plant Give and Take event.  Whether you donate plants or not, this is an excellent way for budding or experienced gardeners, kids and adults, to start or expand a garden, indoors or outdoors, and to meet Master Gardeners.  In exchange we ask that you make a “free will” donation to the Friends of Library. This is an annual opportunity for local gardeners to share their excess plants with the community and or to bring home new plants.  Plant donations are accepted on Friday May 15, 2026 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

This year’s Plant Give and Take is Saturday May 16, 2026 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, under the Library portico.  

SEE DETAILS BELOW

Details:

When is the event?

The event takes place under the library portico on a Saturday morning in conjunction with the spring Used Book Sale. There are usually “donation intake” hours on Friday afternoon to allow us to better organize plants. At the Saturday event hours are usually from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Look for details in the Book Friendly 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 only (no garden soil), with labels attached (information below). We will accept the following:

  • outdoor plants (see instructions in the next column)
  • indoor houseplants in potting soil
  • cuttings and/or seedlings started indoors in growing medium, not outdoor soil
  • seed packets, new or opened, less than 3 years old  
  • no other garden items (such as pots / tools / magazines) due to lack of space

Please review the information on preparing plants.

Bare Root Transplants

HOW TO PREPARE 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.)

    • 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.  
    • Tuck plant into an open container. (plastic baggies 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 event.