Do you think you are the only one out there with a humble veggie plot in your backyard? Think again. There are lots of locals, just like you, looking to grow, share, swap and be social.
The joy of a money-less exchange of edible goodness is not a new concept, although after decades of consumerism, generously giving and mindfully receiving can be somewhat of a new experience for some.
You may have already swapped eggs for seedlings with your neighbours, or shared your abundant crop of plums, but this is the next level for enthusiastic backyard gardeners.
What does a Crop Swap involve?
It’s a local group for backyard gardeners, food foragers, seed savers, preservers and lovers of all things home-grown to share surplus homegrown goodness with like-minded others.
During this social meet up, often over a cuppa and great conversation, everyone brings a basket of anything surplus from the garden – fresh fruit & veggies, free range eggs, seedlings, herbs, preserves….anything home-grown. No money is exchanged, just sharing what they have an abundance of and coming away with something that they don’t have in their own garden.
Everyone who attends should bring a full basket – of what, will depend on that state of their garden! All goodies are placed on a shared table. At a given time attendees introduce themselves and what they’ve brought with them, then all mindfully re-fill their baskets with whatever they wish from the shared table. It is not a bartering system (ie: I’ll swap my celery for your cabbage), rather everyone enjoys a variety of home-grown goodness before them.
Not everyone has a huge or flourishing veggie garden or productive fruit trees. It’s then time to get creative: seeds, seedlings, flowers, home-baking, worm wee, small bags of manure, gardening books, etc. Additional items are also welcome: empty egg cartons, newspaper, glass preserving jars and bottles, used seedling pots etc.
But it’s not just a place to swap crops. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, share gardening stories, acquire new tips and tricks, and make new friends amongst like-minded locals.
What happens with left-over produce or seedlings? Items may be shared with local community groups if there is surplus. Recipients may include: a community garden, sharing shed, a school or pre-school garden, retirement home, food bank (and whatever else you may think of).
Where did it all start in New Zealand?
In September 2014 a bunch of backyard gardeners met in a private house in Merrilands, New Plymouth, and experienced the joy of sharing their garden produce first hand. The principles of Crop Swap Aotearoa has since sprawled around New Zealand.
How do you start your own Crop Swap meet?
It’s surprisingly easy. If you have a neighbourhood Community Facebook Page, that’s a great start. In rural Ohaupo I initiated the call. I posted a ‘would like to gauge interest’ message in our local Facebook community group….the likes kept coming! Along with fellow backyard gardener Meg, we created our own Ohaupo Crop Swap group. Two meets in, and we’re loving it!
Here are some things to consider.
1. Check to see if there is a crop swap group near you. If there isn’t, start one! You don’t need to go it alone. There will be others who are most happy to share with the planning and organising. Reach out, ask, accept…don’t make this delightfully lovely social occasion be a chore.
2. Setting up a private Facebook group works well. Nominate a couple of admin people to manage new requests to join and keep up the momentum. Each month create a ‘new event’ allowing group members plenty of time to clear a day in their diary to attend. It is a good idea to ask members of your group RSVP to each monthly gathering so the host can keep track of numbers of attendees.
3. Some groups choose to hire a local hall (usually there is a small cost for this and participants bring a gold coin to assist in the hire fee). Others meet in garages, schools, or car parks. We choose to host the meet at different group member’s homes – every month a different garden to admire! It keeps it fun, shares the hosting experience, and keeps the cost down. Regardless of the season, it is always beneficial to have a wet-weather option in case the weather turns unexpectedly.
4. If you are hosting, be sure to remind everyone in the week leading up to the gathering. You may want to share photos of your garden or be social online too within the group so everyone feels at ease. Be sure to advise best places to park, and put out a sign so attendees know which driveway it is.
