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  "description": "Seed swaps, gardening workshops, and free seed programs are returning across the Western Slope this March. Libraries, farmers markets, and community groups in Mesa County, Montrose, and Cedaredge are hosting events to help gardeners prepare for the 2026 growing season.",
  "path": "/western-slope-seed-swaps-and-gardening-events-kick-off-the-2026-growing-season/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-07T16:49:25.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.westernslopetrellis.com",
  "tags": [
    "Rachel Reinhardt",
    "Unsplash",
    "Fruita Tavern"
  ],
  "textContent": "As spring approaches across the Western Slope, local libraries, farmers markets, and community organizations are hosting a series of seed swaps, gardening workshops, and plant exchange events to help gardeners prepare for the growing season.\n\nThese events offer opportunities to pick up seeds, trade plants, learn gardening skills, and connect with other growers across the region. Several are hosted by Mesa County Libraries, while others take place in Delta County and Montrose.\n\n* * *\n\n## Mesa County Libraries Seed Library Reopens\n\nMesa County Libraries will reopen its Seed Library on March 4 at the Central Library in Grand Junction.\n\nThe Seed Library offers free vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower seed packets, with visitors able to take up to three packets per month while supplies last. The program is open to the public and does not require a library card.\n\nSince launching in 2022, the program has become a popular resource for local gardeners. By the end of the 2024 season, more than 3,500 seed packets had been distributed between March and August.\n\nThe library also encourages community members to save and donate seeds back to the program. Donations can be dropped off at the Central Library information desk using a donation slip.\n\n* * *\n\n# Gardening Workshops\n\n### Seed Starting Indoors Workshops\n\nHosted by Mesa County Libraries\n\nMany plants such as tomatoes and peppers need to be started indoors six to eight weeks before the final spring frost. Local master gardener Vanessa Brines will lead workshops demonstrating how to successfully start seeds indoors.\n\nCentral Library — Grand Junction\nMarch 5 • 6–7 p.m.\n\nClifton Branch Library\nMarch 12 • 6–7 p.m.\n\nFruita Branch Library\nMarch 24 • 5:30–6:30 p.m.\n\n* * *\n\n# Seed Swap and Plant Exchange Events\n\nPhoto by Rachel Reinhardt / Unsplash\n\n### Community Plant & Seed Swap\n\nMarch 7 • 1–3 p.m.\nArt Garage, Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center\nCedaredge\n\nHosted by GMAEC, this community-focused swap invites gardeners to bring seeds, plant cuttings, or seedlings to trade with others. Volunteers will explain swap guidelines at the event entrance.\n\nAdmission is $5 cash at the door.\n\n* * *\n\n### Montrose Farmers Market Seed Swap\n\nMarch 14 • 10 a.m.–1 p.m.\nCentennial Plaza\nMontrose\n\nThe Montrose Farmers Market will host its annual seed swap alongside the winter market. Gardeners are encouraged to bring extra seeds to share, and the event will also feature a seed starting activity for children.\n\n### Fruita Tavern Seed and Plant Swap\n\n**Date:** Saturday, March 21\n**Time:** 1:00–3:00 PM\n**Location:** Fruita Tavern\n**What to Bring:** Plants, seeds, or garden starts (optional)\n\nA community seed and plant swap is coming to Fruita as gardeners gather to share plants, seeds, and gardening ideas to kick off the spring growing season. The event is open to anyone interested in gardening, whether you bring plants to swap or simply want to browse and connect with fellow gardeners.\n\nParticipants can exchange garden seeds, houseplants, vegetable and flower starts, perennials, and more. Organizers note that no swap is required to attend, making it a relaxed and family-friendly way to meet local growers and prepare for the upcoming planting season.\n\n* * *\n\n# Mesa County Libraries Spring Seed Exchanges\n\nMesa County Libraries will host a series of Spring Seed Exchange events across the county where gardeners can trade seeds and share growing tips with neighbors.\n\nPalisade Branch Library\nMarch 8 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.\n\nGateway Branch Library\nMarch 13 • 12–4 p.m.\n\nCollbran Branch Library\nMarch 15 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.\n\nDe Beque Branch Library\nMarch 15 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.\n\nCentral Library — Grand Junction\nMarch 15 • 10 a.m.–1 p.m.\n\nFruita Branch Library\nMarch 15 • 10 a.m.–1 p.m.\n\nClifton Branch Library\nMarch 15 • 11 a.m.–1 p.m.\n\nOrchard Mesa Branch Library\nMarch 19 • 1–3 p.m.\n\nThese exchanges provide a chance for local gardeners to trade seeds, share planting advice, and discover new varieties that grow well in Western Colorado’s climate.",
  "title": "Western Slope Seed Swaps and Gardening Events Kick Off the 2026 Growing Season",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-08T16:22:26.663Z"
}