Free Plant Sale And Seed Swap Coming To Tucson's Mission Garden

TUCSON, AZ — Tucson gardeners can stock up on desert-adapted plants, pick up free seeds and get advice from local growing experts at a free fall event at one of the city's most historic agricultural sites.

Mission Garden will host its Fall Plant Sale & Seed Swap from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 3, at 946 W. Mission Lane in Tucson.

The event comes as the fall planting season gets underway in the Sonoran Desert and will feature plants from Mission Garden, local growers and retailers, along with free seeds for people looking to start or expand a garden at home.

Gardeners also will be able to talk with plant experts and experienced growers about preparing for the fall and winter growing seasons.

The event is open to everyone from longtime gardeners to people planting their first seed. Mission Garden said the gathering is intended to give visitors a chance to shop, swap seeds, learn about growing in the desert and connect with other local gardeners.

That focus on desert-adapted growing reflects Mission Garden's broader work. The garden is one of the key projects of Friends of Tucson's Birthplace, a nonprofit organization dedicated in part to preserving and sharing the region's agricultural history.

Mission Garden uses its outdoor, hands-on setting to bring together traditional agricultural knowledge passed down through generations with modern science.

The garden grows heritage crops and heirloom trees, allowing visitors to learn about farming practices that have been adapted to the arid Sonoran Desert over generations.

The garden's work also reflects Tucson's long history as an agricultural community. Tucson is the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in the United States, and Mission Garden highlights the food-growing traditions of the diverse cultures that have shaped the region.

The organization says its programs aim not only to preserve that history but also to encourage practical agricultural methods that can be used in today's semi-arid environment. Its work includes efforts related to food insecurity, resource conservation and the effects of climate change.

For visitors to the Oct. 3 event, that history will be part of the experience alongside the plants, seeds and gardening advice.

“Whether you're an experienced gardener or planting your very first seed, this is a great opportunity to grow your garden, learn something new, and connect with fellow plant lovers,” Mission Garden said.

Admission is free.