UNITY, Maine — Tables of seeds and pieces of scionwood for grafting fruit trees stretch from one end of MOFGA’s Exhibition Hall to the other, and a hum of excitement fills the air. For gardeners and orchardists, MOFGA’s 2023 Seed Swap & Scion Exchange is the most wonderful flea market in the world. Not only that — almost everything is free!
MOFGA’s annual Seed Swap & Scion Exchange is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year! Please note that the event has been postponed to April 2 from 12-4 p.m. Join to swap seeds, select some new apple or pear varieties for your orchard, and celebrate spring at this fun and free community event.
After gathering seeds for your garden and scionwood for your orchard, stay to visit educational tables, pick up supplies or have some 40th birthday cake! MOFGA will have several educational workshops happening concurrently beginning at 12:30 p.m., including sessions on: tips for planting your first fruit trees, seed saving for beginners, backyard apple and pear breeding, favorite apple varieties for the backyard orchard, and more. For more information and a workshop schedule, visit mofga.org/event-calendar.
Please bring any seeds, scionwood or cuttings you have to share freely with others. Your contributions help make the day a success! Rootstock will be for sale for those wishing to graft new trees (quantities limited). Custom grafting will also be offered from 12:30-3:30 p.m., by donation to the Maine Heritage Orchard. Kids activities — including seed paper and seed ball-making — will be ongoing throughout the afternoon. Admission to the event is free, although donations are always welcome, and no registration is required.
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), formed in 1971, is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country and is creating a food system that is healthy and fair for all of us. Through education, training and advocacy, MOFGA is helping farmers thrive, making more local, organic food available and building sustainable communities. Learn more at mofga.org.
–Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association