Sunday, March 22, 2026 - How to Get Free Garden Seeds

 

In Alberta, you can obtain free garden seeds through community-driven initiatives like seed libraries, seed swaps, and specific provincial programs. These resources are designed to improve local food security and encourage climate-resilient gardening. 


1. Public Seed Libraries

Many municipal libraries across Alberta host "seed libraries" where you can "borrow" seeds for free. The expectation is often to grow the plants, save the seeds in the fall, and return some to the library to keep the cycle going. 

: Located in the basement of The Next Page in Inglewood. They offer locally adapted, climate-resilient seeds and host "Seed Pod" gatherings for education.

: Provides free flower and vegetable seeds to the community. No library card is required to use this service.

: Allows cardholders to borrow up to three packets of open-pollinated seeds per visit.

: Offers a seed lending program focusing on non-hybrid varieties.

: Patrons can take home up to four packs of seeds each month for free.

: Households can borrow up to two seed packets per day.

  • High River & Rockyford: Both the

High River Library and Rockyford Public Library have exchange boxes or seed programs. 

2. Provincial & Specialized Programs

: This program sends free seed kits (including tools and guides) to hundreds of Métis households in Alberta to promote food sovereignty.

: Periodically offers free seeds (such as root vegetables) at AMA centres to encourage members to grow produce for local food banks.

: Distributes free vegetable and flower seeds to community groups and school gardens to improve fresh food access. 

3. Community Seed Swaps & Events

·         Seedy Saturdays/Sundays: These annual events occur in late winter or early spring across the province (e.g. Sherwood Park, Calgary). They typically feature a seed swap table where you can pick up seeds for free or in exchange for your own.

·         Online Exchange Groups: Platforms like the Alberta Perennial & Seed Exchange on Facebook allow members to gift or trade extra seeds. You may only need to cover the cost of a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). 

4. "Kitchen" Harvesting

You can also get free seeds by salvaging them from store-bought organic produce. Seeds from tomatoes, peppers, squash, and melons can be cleaned, dried, and planted, though they may not always grow "true to type" if they came from hybrid varieties. 

 


 

 



 

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