How to Get Free Seeds

Looking for free seeds to start or expand your garden? Here are a bunch of ways to get them.

Sign Up for Seed Catalogs

Seed companies often send first-time customers high-value coupons. Request a bunch of catalogs, and you’re sure to snag a few $25 off $25 coupons that you can use to order seeds for your garden.

Participate in an Online Seed Swap or Exchange

Gardeners love to share their seeds with other gardeners. Participate in our annual My Frugal Home Seed Swap, to get several packets of free seeds for your garden.

If you missed this year’s seed swap, or are in search of something specific, check out the on-going seed exchange on our forum. Then, subscribe to my newsletter, so you’ll know when it’s time to sign up for next year’s swap.

Here are some additional online seed swaps and exchanges that are worth checking out:

Seed Savers Exchange
Houzz Seed Exchange
Great American Seed Swap

Find a Seed Library

Many public libraries now have seed libraries, where you can pick out free heirloom seeds to grow in your garden. They just ask that you save some of the seeds from your harvest, and return them to the seed library, so more gardeners can grow them next year. This is a great program because it gives gardeners access to free seeds, while ensuring heirloom seeds are preserved for future generations.

The seed library at my local public library is open March through October, and allows you to select five packets of seeds each month.

To find a seed library near you, check this directory on Weebly, or give your local library a call to see if they have a program.

If you aren’t able to locate a seed library near you, consider starting one. This would be an awesome project for a Girl Scout or Eagle Scout.

Here are some free, printable seed packets that you can use to package your seeds when you donate them back to the library.

Host a Seed Swap Party

Invite a bunch of friends over for a seed swap. Just ask everyone to bring a covered dish and several packets of seeds, and you have the makings for a fun party. Here are some free seed swap party printables that you can use.

Attend Local Seed Exchanges

Garden clubs often hold annual seed exchanges. These may be open to members, or the community at large. Check with your local garden club to see if they have an upcoming event planned. Here’s a directory you can use to find a garden club near you.

Watch for Free Seed Listings on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace

Find more gardeners in your community who are willing to share their seeds, by doing a daily search for “free seeds” on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

Take Advantage of Free Seed Offers

Many businesses and non-profit organizations offer free seed packets to protect pollinators, end hunger or simply thank customers for their business. Campbell’s, Boomchickapop, Country Living and L’il Critters are just some of the national companies that I’ve gotten free seeds from in the past. Whenever I come across a free seed offer online, I’ll share the details on my Facebook page, so be sure to follow me.

Local businesses and organizations tend to be even more generous with the seeds. Attend any show or event in the spring, and you’re sure to find several companies and non-profits handing out seed packets.

Save Seeds From Your Own Garden

Only plant open-pollinated, heirloom seeds in your garden, so you can harvest and save seeds for next year. Then, spread the gardening love, by sharing some of your extras with other gardeners, just as they’ve shared their extras with you.

Know of Another Free Source for Seeds?

Please leave a comment to tell us about it.