MARQUETTE – The Queen City Seed Library will host its annual community seed swap from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern time today at the Peter White Public Library community room in Marquette.

The event is an opportunity for gardeners and seed savers to share knowledge and seeds in preparation for the growing season.

Many of the varieties at the swap have already been proven to grow successfully in the local area.

Gathering for the swap also spreads knowledge about growing food and helps to strengthen the food security and sustainability of the community.

Community members are welcome to bring open pollinated seeds that are not licensed or patented to share.

Participants are not required to bring seed packets. Anyone who is interested in learning more about gardening is also welcome.

The seed swap will include demonstration tables with information about gardening and seed saving.

A presentation will be given by local seed saver Ray Bush about combining winter sowing and snail roll seed starting methods.

The Queen City Seed Library is a volunteer-run community organization that has been providing seeds to anyone who would like to start a garden and learn to harvest and save seeds since 2015.

Thanks to volunteers, the Seed Library cabinet on the main floor of the Peter White Public Library in Marquette is stocked for this gardening season.

Those unable to make the seed swap can visit the Seed Library cabinet. You can also bring seed donations to leave in the basket.

The Queen City Seed Library is guided by the words of seed activist Sara McCamant: “To make a stronger local food system, we need to continually work at bringing more local seed into that food system.”

For more information, email to Queencityseedlibrary@gmail.com.