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So you're looking to grow some kitchen crops this spring and you're wondering where you can score some seeds or starters for free. We have a whole lot of suggestions.
Craigslist
The obvious go-to place. Check the "Free" category or publish a "Wanted" post asking for the types of plants you'd like to raise. Odds are, someone will have leftovers from a garden store purchase, or might have a pack of seeds from last year that they're happy to send your way.
Freecycle
Similarly, Freecycle is a great network to tap into. People often offer the excess from their springtime gardening efforts, and it's a great place for you to look. You might even offer a portion of the future harvest as a thank you.
Gardening Groups
There is likely an association or group of gardeners in your area who would be more than happy to help you get started on your kitchen garden with the plants they won't be using in theirs. Search for native plant societies, volunteer beautification groups, plant rescue groups, or garden hobbyist groups. They are a great resource because you might find out about a whole lot of other sources for free plants, as well as tips and tricks useful for your garden.
Your (or your neighbor's) Gardeners
Often landscapers will have access to people who have extra plants, including veggies, they want to get rid of. Next time you see the gardener, it's worth asking if they can hook you up with some plants that would otherwise head to the landfill.
Nursery
No, you don't have to spend money to get plants from the nursery. Often they'll throw away plants that are getting too old or ugly to sell, which means you can score some excellent garden additions without spending a cent.
Greenhouses
You might live near a greenhouse, either a commercial one or perhaps a school or university that runs one. These are often an excellent place to get throw-aways as they thin out their seedlings. Check in and ask what is being grown, and if you can have any seedlings they plan on tossing.
The Grocery Store
A lot of veggies can be started from a portion of the plant itself. You can head to your local grocery store and let the manager know you're starting a garden, and if they're tossing any produce that day (which they will be) can you please go through it. If they say no, you might try dumpster diving on the sly when they aren't looking. Food that can be simply buried and expected to grow include potatoes and yams, garlic and ginger, and of course, beans (not canned). You might also keep your eye out for herbs that come with the roots. These often get tossed as they begin to wilt but can be nursed back into growing if given enough TLC.
Your (or your friend's) Kitchen
If you're too shy to head to the grocery store, you might simply look through your own kitchen or the pantries and refrigerators of your loved ones to see what you can raid and coax into growing.
Your (or your friend's) Compost Pile
If you keep a compost pile, it's no surprise that seedlings pop up all the time. It's often funny to see what kinds of plants start growing out of the rich brew. These seedlings offer the perfect opportunity for a container crop. Keep an eye out for sprouts and carefully relocate them to containers.
More on Gardening
The Best Kitchen Plants for Container Gardens
Grow Seedlings in Junk Container
Make a Compost Bin from an Old Storage Tub
Conserve Water Before You Even Start Planting Your Garden for Spring
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