GREENFIELD — When experienced gardeners and beginners alike come together at the annual Cabin Fever Seed Swap, they trade more than just seeds.
“As much as it’s a seed exchange and giveaway, it’s also a great place for people to connect with others,” said Melinda McCreven, who has organized the event for 15 years. She noted the joy it brings her “to see those folks again over the years and how we’ve grown as people, nevermind the seeds we’ve grown.”
This year’s Cabin Fever Seed Swap will be held Sunday at Just Roots farm, 34 Glenbrook Drive, from 1 to 4 p.m.
The seed sharing event got its start a couple years after McCreven moved to Greenfield. A beginner who wanted to start growing seeds, she found a mentor in “seed swapping extraordinaire” Danny Botkin of Gill.
“I knew I wanted to go to a seed swap because I read about it in a book about permaculture,” she recalled. “But I didn’t hear about anything around here.”
Assisted by Botkin, McCreven started her own event, which was held for years at Green Fields Market, where McCreven is a member. Through the seed swaps, McCreven watched how Botkin inspired other gardeners, as he had inspired her.
“I can’t believe it’s been 15 years,” she said. “I wouldn’t have been able to have done this without him.”
Last year, the event transitioned to Just Roots, an outdoor venue, as a health safety precaution amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite pouring rain, McCreven said she was “shocked” by the turnout.
“I think it just speaks to the popularity of seed swapping. Especially since 2020, the idea of being able to grow your own food and having some security around food has just skyrocketed,” she said. “A lot of seed companies were having trouble filling orders last year.”
She described how a series of tables will be set up under tents, noting that some attendees who bring seeds want to stay at their station, while others will simply drop their seeds off. Through a program offered by the Vermont-based organization High Mowing Organic Seeds, McCreven said she will have some seeds to give away, too. The seed swap is a drop-in event, with no registration necessary.
Over the years, McCreven said she’s had attendees come from Vermont, Connecticut, the Berkshires, Worcester and everywhere in between, noting that a seed swap can be a nice way for beginners to get their feet wet with a plant that has proven to be successful for another local gardener.
“You know anyone who’s saving seeds from last year, it grew for them — odds are those plants will work in this region,” she explained.
Additionally, she said the seed swap could be a nice introduction to Just Roots for those who haven’t been there before, noting her appreciation to the venue.
“(The seed swaps are) different every year, so I’m never quite sure what will happen,” McCreven said, looking ahead to Sunday. “I’ve been really lucky to (organize) it.”
Reach Shelby Ashline
at 413-772-0261, ext. 270 or sashline@recorder.com.