Winter doesn't have to spell the end of gardening fun. With the right approach, the colder months can transform into a period of green-thumbed excitement, as indoor spaces become havens for plant cultivation and exchange. GardenHere, an online community, is leading the charge by providing a platform for garden enthusiasts to swap plants, seeds, and flowers, ensuring the gardening spirit thrives year-round.
GardenHere is redefining the winter months for gardeners who traditionally await the arrival of spring catalogs. Instead, its members are actively engaged in growing an array of plants right on their window sills, ready to be traded with fellow gardeners across the nation.
Al Stubblefield, the creator of GardenHere, shares his enthusiasm: "Winter can be a really fun time of year for home gardeners. Many of our members in the North root plant cuttings in kitchen glasses to offer in exchange for postage or other plants they desire. Some members trade flower seeds they harvested earlier in the year."
Despite the freezing temperatures outside, Stubblefield boasts a collection of Fuchsia starts and Geraniums basking in his sunroom window, soon to be ready for trade. He also mentions a stash of Daylily and Iris tubers in his garage, overlooked during fall planting, which he's confident will find a new home through GardenHere when spring approaches.
In the South, where snow and freezing temperatures are rare, gardeners continue their passion uninterrupted. Meanwhile, in the North, some protect their prized plants in home greenhouses. These gardeners often find themselves with an abundance of certain plants and look to GardenHere to share or exchange their extras for new varieties.
The GardenHere website simplifies the process of exchanging plants, seeds, and flowers. Registration is quick, taking about 60 seconds, and is completely free. Once a member, gardeners can post in the forums to offer their extra plants and flowers or request specific items in return. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and enjoyable for all involved.
Members of GardenHere have shared their positive experiences with the plant exchange. Stubblefield himself received 20 new varieties of Daylilies and two cold-hardy Hibiscus plants for less than $6 in postage. Another member, Nicole, recounted a serendipitous encounter with a fellow member, Fern, which led to a bountiful trade of glad bulbs, bulbils, and seeds for her sedum, ginger, and prized Zinnia seeds.
Copperlilac celebrated a successful exchange of Peonies for Irises, with the added bonus of a baby Lupine and seeds. And Dee, another member, offered baby Gladiolus, pondering how to manage their prolific reproduction.
Gardeners looking to keep their passion alive during the winter months are encouraged to join the GardenHere Forums. The community is welcoming, and the process to become a member is swift and cost-free.
"Exchanging Plants and Flowers is the Neighborly Thing To Do"
While the personal stories of GardenHere members are inspiring, the broader trend of indoor gardening has seen significant growth. According to the National Gardening Association, 30% of all households in the United States participate in indoor gardening. The practice has been linked to numerous benefits, including improved air quality, reduced stress levels, and even increased productivity.
Furthermore, a study by the University of Exeter found that indoor gardeners could be 15% more productive than their non-gardening counterparts. This suggests that the benefits of indoor gardening extend beyond the joy of plant exchange and into the realm of personal well-being and efficiency.
For those interested in joining the movement and learning more about indoor gardening, the National Gardening Association offers resources and tips to get started. Additionally, the University of Exeter's research provides insights into the advantages of bringing plants into your indoor environment.
Winter gardening through plant exchanges not only fosters a sense of community but also promotes a sustainable and enriching hobby that can be enjoyed regardless of the season.
