Seedy Saturday returns: swap seeds, grab free compost, and get garden-ready this weekend

By Lethbridge Herald on April 9, 2026.

by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman

According to the calendar Spring began last month, according to Mother Nature it is just around the corner, and to be ready for gardening Seedy Saturday is back this weekend. 

Seedy Saturday is hosted by Environment Lethbridge with the support of the Lethbridge Public Library and in partnership with the Sill and Soil and Urbane Eight.

Executive Director with Environment Lethbridge, Kathleen Sheppard says Seedy Saturday has been taking place since 2017, and they are excited for this year’s event, which will feature a seed swap, free compost, workshops, and exhibitors focused on local food and gardening,

“Seedy Saturday is an opportunity to learn about gardening, local food and the environment,” explains Sheppard.

She says the free event will showcase more than 20 local exhibitors, from local businesses and community organizations to provide information about local food, pollinators, gardening and more.

“Seedy Saturday is pleased to welcome back popular exhibitors such as the Lethbridge and District Horticultural Society, Wildrose Heritage Seeds, along with Sheryl Normandeau and Janet Melrose, authors of the Prairie Gardener Guides,” says Sheppard. 

She says they will be joined by new exhibitors including Rattling Ridge Native Plants, Good Soil Horticulture, and Tips Tree Service. 

“In addition to information booths, many exhibitors will have seeds, live plants, and other gardening related items for sale,” says Sheppard. 

Seedy Saturday also features a popular seed swap where anyone can bring seeds to trade or take new seeds to try. 

“The seed swap is a highlight of Seedy Saturday events,” says Sheppard. “We invite everyone to bring their extra seeds to trade for something new. Gardeners who don’t have seeds to trade are welcome to take seeds home to try as well.”

Sheppard says something new this year that will compliment the seed swap, is an indoor plant swap, hosted by the Sill and Soil and Urbane Eight. 

“Pest-free plants are welcome at the event or can be dropped off at either business prior to the day,” says Sheppard.

Swappers will receive a token for a free plant, and the remaining plants will be offered for sale. Seedy Saturday will also include three free workshops. 

Water Conservation in Your Vegetable Garden will teach simple techniques to conserve water and grow food. 

Api’soomaahka (William Singer) from Naapi’s Garden will talk about traditional connections to sustainability and the natural world. 

Paige Rosner from the Helen Schuler Nature Centre will discuss ways to support backyard pollinators.

“Returning to this year’s event will be a free compost station, this year located in the Civic Ice Centre parking lot on the east side of Stafford Drive,” says Sheppard.  

She says the free compost is courtesy of the City of Lethbridge Waste and Environment department and is available for household use to anyone who brings their own container.

Seedy Saturday will take place on April 11 from 1 to 4 pm in the north wing of the downtown branch of the Lethbridge Public Library.

For more information, including a complete list of exhibitors and workshops, please visit http://www.seedysaturdayyql.com.