Mar 26, 2024 By Karen Mansfield 3 min read

The popularity of Center For Coalfield Justice’s annual Seed Swap is growing faster than a zucchini in summertime.

Saturday’s event, held at Citizens Library in Washington, drew more than 200 visitors for an afternoon of swapping and collecting seeds and bulbs, and learning about a variety of community gardening and environmental resources.

The fourth annual swap also featured a grow-your-own potatoes station and kids’ activities.

“I’m very pleased with the turnout. It’s been growing exponentially each year,” said CCJ events coordinator Allison Evans. “We’re really helping to build community power and to introduce people to the community gardens in our area and the people they can access for help when it comes to gardening and sustainability. We’re really interested in sustainability and a healthier, backyard-to-table movement.”

CCJ received $1,500 in grants for the seed swap, which it used to purchase seeds for the community.

Several organizations, including Firefly Community Garden, Highland Ridge Community Garden and Penn State Master Gardner’s Seed to Supper, were available to answer questions and provide information.

During the swap, Kenya Thomas, a military veteran who is nearing completion of the Penn State Extension Washington County Master Gardener Program, waited in line for CCJ volunteers to fill a large grow bag with soil, into which she tossed in potato chunks. Thomas then covered the top of the tubers with soil.

“I’m a newbie. I wanted to learn how to garden, and this will be the first thing I actually grow,” said Thomas. “Container gardening is practical for me, and I’m interested in growing the food I eat and use at my table. It’s a wonderful program.”

The potatoes can grow nearly anywhere and are relatively low-maintenance, said CCJ volunteer Jason Bedillion.

Several businesses and individuals provided seeds. Attendees were encouraged to bring packets for swapping – and many did – but all seeds were free to those who came.

Karen Cruse of Canonsburg attended with her niece and nephew, Blayke and Bowen Massie.

She helped them paint terra cotta pots, which they filled with soil that they could plant seeds.

“It’s been fun,” said Cruse.

Evans said CCJ’s mission includes educating, empowering, and organizing coalfield residents and protecting public and environmental health. The seed swap is one of the organization’s most popular events.

“We want to provide an opportunity for the community to get together and to have something that is fun to do,” said Evans. “We’re always looking for new donors to help us continue to make this a free and fun event, and we want to get as many people into backyard gardening and to respect gardening and its importance as we can.”