May 11th was scheduled to be our near-legendary Plant Swap
Of course all that has changed, and this year we can’t get together with our spare tomatoes, lettuces, cabbages and all. But the interest in gardening, and particularly ‘grow-your-own’, has shot up. Many people have already been offering, and asking, on Facebook and other social media, for advice, help – and plants. So we are having a WALKING Plant-Sharing week instead!
Lots of you may already be sharing plants, and we’d like to help those who aren’t sure how to go about this. Start with your neighbours – ask if anyone wants any plants. Social media if great for this, and many neighbourhoods have a dedicated page or group. Don’t make your full address visible online, use a general street name or broad location. Some local areas have food swap locations – you could ask if you can leave plants there for people to collect. If you’re not on social media, members can send their plant offers to NOGs on this email and we’ll put them up on Facebook.
Here is some advice for sharing and collecting plants:
If Sharing
Wear gloves whilst making up your display, and prepare plant pots at least 12 hours before putting out.
Make your plants look their best – weed pots if needed
Label! Type of plant and variety – cut up margarine tubs make good labels
Make them easy to carry and in individual pots
Have a nice sign saying ‘FREE!’ and if you like, decorate your little ‘stall’
Don’t leave anything out that you don’t want taken… including the box!
If you’re concerned about someone being greedy and taking everything, put a few out at a time.
If Collecting
Finding plants – look out on social media – and ask! (Nicely…)
Walk! Don’t go out of your local area – use your daily exercise
Take a box/bags
Wear gloves and bring sanitiser if you have it. Don’t touch gates, fences, etc.
To be extra safe put the plants to one side for 3 days, just keeping them watered
Say thanks! Either personally if the grower is there, or on social media (don’t mention the house number…)