With the costs associated with gardening, we need to save every penny possible and due to that I’ve compiled a list of places for you to get free or cheap seeds. If you know of any additional places to get seeds, feel free to let me know in an email.
Craigslist – Due to many individuals moving, you can find offers for free plants under the tab listed as ‘free’ or under the ‘farm+garden’ tab. Don’t spend the gas to go get plants that are too far away. Remember, ideally you want food plants but when you go to swaps (will talk about this later), you can use whatever plant you have on hand which includes non-food plants. You will find offers for free seeds and cuttings on this site occasionally as well.
Holiday Gifts – When people ask you what you want for your birthday, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter and all the other gift holidays be sure to say you either want a gift card/certificate to the local garden store or specify certain gardening items you are in need of.
Local Plant Groups – You can find these on social media. Make sure you don’t come empty handed because you want to have a form of currency to barter with others. Sometimes, these groups will have plant sales to raise funds for local humanitarian causes, which will bring another opportunity to get cheap plants.
Dollar Tree – While I’ve never seen plants there, they do have actual seeds during spring/summer months, but selections are limited and usually it is first come first served so be sure to get there early in the season and keep checking back. They have some cheap gardening supplies that will come in handy too.
EBT Users – If you are in the grocery store, you can purchase seed and food plants which are covered expenses. It does not cover for non-food plants I believe. You can occasionally find farmers markets that will take EBT as a form of payment and allow you to buy food plants as well.
Church Groups/Moms Groups – Don’t be afraid to ask around and inquire as to who is interested in gardening and if anyone has an abundance of seed or annual vegetable plants, be sure to volunteer to give them a good home.
Library – There are smaller libraries who have seed trading areas set up for families that are financially struggling, and this is another place where you can either search out a group or start your own group.
Plant Swap Stands – On various social media platforms, you’ll find that there are swap locations set up throughout your area which allows you to bring a plant or some seeds to swap out with other gardeners. Be sure to be respectful when you are visiting another individual’s property and don’t clean out there stand of plants.
Freecycle – Similar to craigslist, this website will allow you to find seeds, plants or cuttings that are being offered up freely to individuals that will come pick them up. Use caution and don’t ever go alone.
Roadside Clippings – Occasionally when individuals thin out their plants they will lay a pile of cuttings at the end of the road for other gardeners to freely take. Be sure to wear gloves until you are able to identify what species of plant cuttings you’ve found.
Flseeds.com – I’ve personally found fairly cheap seeds at this website that are tested in our states harsh heat and intense humidity. I’m not an affiliate for them but I have actually purchased from them and greatly appreciate the variety and easy use of their website.
Garden Stores – Occasionally, you can find clearance seeds or plants in the gardening section so take time to stop in and peruse their offerings.
Happy planting!
Suburban & Rural Homesteading Today 