Dozens of vegetable and flower types and hundreds of varieties, including unique heirlooms and locally saved seeds will be available for free to encourage people in Evanston to grow their own food. (A limit as to the number of seed packets per person will be posted at the event.)

In addition to generous seed companies and farms, you can donate seeds you grew and saved or seed packets from past years you don't plan to use. Bring seeds with you and we'll let you take more home.

March 7, 2026, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Robert Crown Center Lobby

1801 Main Street, Evanston

with the Evanston Public Library

March 7, 2026, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Ridgeville’s Kamen Field House

1111 South Blvd, Evanston IL 60202

with the Ridgeville Park District

Come on out and get free seeds and share your saved seeds or seedlings you started (or seeds you did not use which were for growing season 2023 or more recent).

Limits will be posted as to the number of packets each family may take. 

Bring seeds and seedlings to share if you have extra.

Free. (A suggested donation of $5 will help support these and other Edible Evanston programs. Those making donations of seeds or financial support can take home additional packets.)

Thanks to our donors, including:

Thank you to the generous seed companies who sent us seeds from overstock, from prior years, or just from their generous hearts! And thank you to our local seed donors—you know who you are.

• These seeds are also used in our New Gardeners program and for the Eggleston Park Food Forest.

Thank you to our donor seed companies, featured here with all our favorite seed suppliers.