Some people desire free plants for the following reasons:
- They’re eager to decorate their front/back yards.
- They want to spruce up the inside of their homes with lush houseplants.
- They’re new to gardening and want to take up a different hobby.
- And other reasons!
In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the uptick in gardening since it gave many U.S. homeowners more free time to spend on their lawns.
The combined sales of gardening equipment and building materials increased by 14 percent in 2020. (That’s compared to the previous year’s amount of over $425 billion.)
Maybe you’ve spent lots of money on gardening tools and other items and have little money left for plants.
Well, you’re in luck because I provide sources that offer flora for free.
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Free Plants Near Me
Here are a few ways to score plants for free.
1. Free plants and seeds for humanity
This Facebook group lets members share cuttings, plants, seeds, and other supplies. (It forbids any items put up for sale.)
Options for getting anything you need include SASE and local pickup.
2. Community garden
Some community gardens need volunteers to help with their harvests and give away plant cuttings as a thank-you.
Consider offering assistance at your local community garden, and you might receive free cuttings in exchange.
3. Save seeds
Have any fruits or veggies on hand?
If so, scoop out and save the seeds you find instead of throwing them out.
What’s great about this method is that it can be used repeatedly when you grow new fruits/vegetables. (It also helps you save money on grocery items like canned/frozen produce.)
4. Craigslist
Find no-cost plants on Craigslist by visiting the “For Sale” section in your nearest city and clicking “free.”
You could also post an ad of your own asking for spare plants or seeds or ask to trade with someone in the “barter” section.
You can also get free trees this way!
5. Reddit
Though Reddit is known for being a platform for discussing various topics, it’s also where you can ask for any seeds or plants anyone wants to give away.
Search for your local area by entering your city/state and look for threads (or create your own) related to plant freebies.
6. Seed exchange
Many people who want to know where to get free plants never think to check their public library, someone’s private residence, or community center.
That’s because these places are usually hubs for seed exchanges.
See if there’s a seed exchange at your library or community center.
If not, create your own and post ads online to invite interested parties to participate.
7. Free Plants.co.uk
If you’re a U.K. resident, check out this site.
You receive plants for free every Monday. (You’re only charged for postage and packing.)
Also, you don’t have to pay for the plants you buy on every 20th order.
Many of the plants on the website are out of stock, so it’s good to check back often to see when they’re replenished.
8. Neighbor/Family Members/Friends
Your neighbor(s) might have some plants they want or need to give away, so if you know them well, go ahead and ask.
You could also inquire any friends or family members about any plants they might have in their possession.
Meet them at their home or a public place to pick up your plant, or they can ship it to you if you live far away.
9. Your front/backyard
Don’t feel like going online or taking a long trip to find plants?
Go for a “hunt” in your front or backyard instead!
You might find daisies, clovers, and violets waiting to be picked.
You’re also likely to find dandelions — which are weeds, not plants — but, if you want to take them inside, you’re free to do so. (Dandelion stems are edible, and you could use them to make salads and other dishes.)
Flourish Your Home with Free Flora
As you can see, there are a few ways to get plants for free. You just need to do a little digging (pun intended!).
So whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned professional, you can find a way to score some free plants!
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