Trade Stations

🌱 Garden Trade Stations: Grow Together, Share More

What’s a Garden Trade Station? A Garden Trade Station is a local spot—like a small stand, box, or shelf—where gardeners in the community can leave extra seeds, seedlings, tools, produce, or garden goodies... and take what they need in return. Think of it like a "little free library"—but for gardeners!

Why Use One?

Have too many tomato seedlings? Leave a few behind.

Need basil or compost? Pick some up.

Found a tool that’s still good but you’ve outgrown it? Pass it on. It’s all about sharing abundance and reducing waste while building real community connections.

How to Start or Find One

We’ll be adding a map of trade stations across Michigan (and beyond), and showing you how to set up your own—from building a simple weatherproof box to adding QR codes so folks can track what’s inside.

What Can You Trade?

✅ Seeds (labeled and dated)
✅ Starter plants and cuttings
✅ Fresh produce
✅ Garden tools in usable condition
✅ Books, guides, or fun extras like garden markers

Etiquette Tips

• Take what you’ll use
• Leave it better than you found it
• Label everything clearly
• No pesticides, invasive species, or moldy goods, please!

History

The idea of garden trade stations took root in 2023 with the launch of the Pineal Trade Station in Louisville, Kentucky. Since then, over 50+ Pineal stations have popped up across the region.