Seed Swap Feb. 7 in Bellingham Offers Early Entry for Seed Donors

Gardeners who bring seeds to the Salish Seed Swap will gain early entrance at 11:30 a.m., a listing for the event states, while other postings list public hours of 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. The swap takes place Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth Street.

The mixed times reflect how local listings have presented the event. Cascadia Daily News notes that gardeners who do bring seeds for the swap gain early entrance at 11:30 a.m., alongside Salish Seed Guild members. An Instagram post from Seed Guild lists the event as "Seed Swap 2026 February 7 @ 12 noon – 3:00 pm At the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St, Bellingham, WA 98225."

Entry is by suggested donation. Entrance is a suggested donation of $10, though "no one [is] turned away for lack of funds," the event listing says. Attendees bringing bulk seeds are asked to prepare their own packaging; "Attendees are requested to BYOE (bring your own envelopes) for packaging bulk seeds," the listing adds.

The swap is organized with involvement from the Salish Seed Guild and attracts plant and seed vendors from across Whatcom County, providing both exchanges of seed stock and an informal marketplace. Cascadia’s listing says the event will feature learning opportunities from local experts on seed saving and starting and will include information on the Geo Garden Club app and other resources. A photo accompanying that listing is credited to Kelton Burns of Cascadia Daily News.

Local outlets besides Cascadia and the Seed Guild post include a notice headlined "2026 Community Seed Swap Set For Saturday, Feb. 7 At Unitarian Church" on Los Alamos Reporter and a LaDailyPost headline, "Community Seed Swap At Unitarian Church Feb. 7." Those postings reiterate invitations to gardeners and community members to bring seeds to swap and share knowledge.

For local gardeners, the swap offers several practical benefits: access to seed diversity, opportunities to learn seed-saving techniques, and a chance to connect with county vendors outside the commercial seed supply chain. The early-entry policy gives priority to contributors, which can encourage sharing of locally adapted varieties and prompt participation in seed stewardship networks.

What comes next for prospective attendees is confirmation. Check the Salish Seed Guild’s website or social channels for final details, and plan to bring labeled seeds, envelopes for packaging, and a small donation if possible. Confirming the official public opening time will ensure you arrive when vendor tables and demonstrations are underway.