Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont internship
SOUTH BURLINGTON — In the dead of winter, snow covered streets led the way to a gardener’s dream.
Inside the South Burlington Public Library, tables were lined with seed packets for fruits, vegetables and flowers, all boasting the colors of spring, as part of a seed and plant swap event.
As people browsed the seeds and discussed their gardens, there was a hopeful energy in the air of long-awaited warmer days ahead.
University of Vermont Extension master gardeners at the event said late winter is the “dreaming time,” a fun period to plan what to plant during the short growing season.
The seed and plant swap had many resources to get started. The master gardeners, part of a volunteer education program, answered questions and offered their own expertise.
Master gardener Allison Oskar talked about how gardeners use seed packets to know “when (a plant) matures, … how long it’s going to take to germinate, how long it’ll take to grow, and if you should start it inside or outside depending on where you live.”
While some gardeners sow seeds after the last frost, others start certain seeds six to eight weeks beforehand.
Paying attention to the calendar is a key aspect of gardening, according to Avery Knoll, a master gardener intern.
“Some of the work is working backwards by thinking about when you’re going to put things in the ground,” Knoll said. “It depends also on the best thing to plant: the thing you’re going to eat or enjoy.”
Gardeners of all experience levels are welcome at swaps such as the one at the library. Asked about plants for less experienced gardeners, master gardener intern Samantha Hefferon suggested peas, tomatoes and carrots — things you can “pop off of the garden and eat,” she said.
Gardeners who live in apartments may still have options. Oskar suggested checking out community garden plots, while Hefferon said her landlord agreed to install a raised bed.
More experienced gardeners would not be disappointed coming to the seed and plant swaps, either. The events let gardeners meet people with similar interests and are a cost effective way to get seeds, Oskar said.
“There’s always something to grab, and you don’t have to come with seeds of your own to swap,” Oskar added.
The philosophy of the swap is all about sharing and helping people put their excess seeds to use.
“In gardening, you often have too much of something,” Oskar said. “A big part of gardening is ‘waste not, want not.’”
The library will hold other seed and plant swaps in the coming months. Patrons can also visit the seed library, which features a variety of heirloom seeds, on the second floor.
Gardeners with questions can contact the UVM Master Gardener volunteer helpline.