Back in 2009, Circle K, a fraternity at UB, volunteered with ReUse for a day. “We mentioned we were running out of space for the seedlings and joked that maybe the students could babysit the seedlings in their dorm room–and they took us seriously!” said Caesandra Seawell, Director of Community Programs. This year, ReUse is extending their “Seedling Foster Parent” program to the public. Becoming a Seedling Foster Parent is easy! Prospective foster parents would take home a tray or two of assembled cells containing soil and seeds. The seeds need a little coaxing “on their bottoms” to germinate. “The ideal temperature seeds need to germinate is around 70-80 degrees. Putting them on top of, or near, a radiator works well as long as the seeds don’t get too hot or the soil drys out.” explained Greenspace Coordinator, Ben Kaiser. The next step is just attention. “You would need to water them, turn them for even sunshine exposure and protect them until they grow bigger and can be brought back to Buffalo ReUse for the next step–our Seedling Swap” Brad Kujawski added.

Seedling Swaps are very common among active gardening communities all over the world. The idea is similar to a book swap–you bring one and take one. Buffalo ReUse invites all Buffalo gardeners to bring (or donate) their extra seedlings to contribute to the East Side of Buffalo community gardens. The seedling swap is a chance to bring a variety of plants to the neighborhood, eliminate waste, and socialize with other gardeners!

Buffalo ReUse’s Seedling Swap will be held Saturday, April 24^th from 10am-4pm (along with their Open House)
There will be a second Seedling Swap on Saturday, May 22^nd in conjunction with a Salad Smorgasbord.

And finally, Buffalo ReUse is planning ahead for some summer shenanigans! ReUse is orchestrating a Pickle Eating Contest! Details are developing quickly, but ReUse hopes to encourage gardeners to plant one extra cucumber plant so there will be plenty of pickles available for the contest. They will need several hundred pickles and hope to use only local supplies.

If you’re interested in gardening with ReUse, becoming a Seedling Foster Parent or a pickler, please contact greenspaces {at} buffaloreuse(.)org or call 716-885-4131.