March 7 2026
Free seed swap at Evergreen Brick Works
Join us for Toronto’s Seedy Saturday on March 7 at Evergreen Brick Works—a free celebration of seeds, soil, gardening, and community alongside Toronto’s largest year-round Farmers Market. Whether you’re starting your first balcony garden or you’re a seasoned grower, discover free seed swaps, expert gardening advice, hands-on native plant demos, and a garden tools exchange to get ready for spring.
From seed savers and backyard gardeners to families reconnecting with nature, this one-day community event brings together growers, makers, and nature lovers to share knowledge, swap seeds and stories, and pick up practical tips for the growing season ahead.
Why come to Seedy Saturday?
Activities, talks, workshops and more
Co-hosted by Evergreen, Toronto Seed Library and Seeds of Diversity
Participate in our seed swap and explore new possibilities for your garden! Bring any extra open-pollinated and untreated seeds you have to trade, or simply browse the seed exchange tables to discover what others have contributed.
How to Participate in the Seed Swap:
Don’t have seeds to bring? No problem! You can purchase seeds from the Evergreen Garden Market to use in the swap, or simply browse and take home seeds that others have shared.
Time to declutter your gardening stash, discover new-to-you garden treasures, and take part in a culture of sharing and sustainability. The Garden Tools FreeMarket creates a temporary, money-free space where people can give what they no longer need and take what will support their growing journey. It’s all about building community, reducing waste, and keeping useful items in circulation.
How It Works:
| Want to donate ahead of time? Garden tool and supply donations can be dropped off on Saturdays throughout February at the Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market. Items will be saved for the Garden Tools FreeMarket on March 7. |
Toronto’s largest year-round Farmers Market hosts over 50 vendors selling locally grown and seasonal produce, prepared foods, and artisan products. Support local growers while you explore Seedy Saturday—it’s the perfect pairing of seeds for your future garden and fresh food for your table today.
Led by Evergreen volunteers
This hands-on demonstration explores simple, low-cost ways to grow native pollinator plants using items you may already have at home. Learn the basics of winter sowing and how to turn everyday containers like clear salad boxes, milk jugs, or plastic apple cider jugs into mini greenhouses.
You’ll sow native pollinator seeds, discover how overwintering works, and learn when to pot up seedlings and move them into the ground or containers in warmer months. Support local pollinators while giving single-use plastics a second life!
Offered by Toronto Master Gardeners
Bring your toughest gardening questions to the experts! Whether you’re troubleshooting a plant problem, planning your first vegetable garden, or curious about native species for your neighbourhood, the Toronto Master Gardeners are here to help with research-based, practical advice.
Get the whole family excited about growing! Kids can create newspaper seed pots, plant seeds in egg carton containers and discover how plants grow from seed to garden. Perfect for budding young gardeners.
Stop by the Evergreen Garden Market to plant a seed with Permastake, where you can enjoy free seed planting and design your own custom garden marker to take home.
While you’re here, take advantage of Seedy Saturday specials:
The Evergreen Garden Market boasts a curated collection of gardening essentials year-round, including seeds from well known brands like West Coast Seeds and Northern Wildflower Native Seeds, plus seed-starting kits, houseplants, eco-friendly products, essential gardening tools, nature-inspired home decor, and everything else you need for chic outdoor living.
20+ local horticultural societies, garden clubs, businesses, and environmental organizations offering expert advice, hands-on demos, and garden-related products!
| Organization | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Buschbeck Farms (Soil Renewool) | Uses locally sourced wool to create natural soil amendments that support healthy soil and sustainable growing. Learn how wool can be used in your garden and see how this innovative material supports plant health. Products available include raw fleece, shredded wool, and pelleted wool soil amendments. | ||
| Canadian Biotechnology Action Network | Works to raise awareness and foster dialogue about genetic engineering in food and agriculture. Dive into thoughtful conversations and explore resources that unpack how biotechnology impacts seeds and food systems. | ||
| City of Toronto – Live Green Toronto | Supports Toronto residents in taking climate action through practical programs and resources. Pick up tools, tips, and inspiration for making more sustainable choices at home and in the garden. | ||
| Dahlias By Michael | Dedicated to growing and sharing exceptional dahlias and chrysanthemums through decades of experience. Get expert growing advice and discover what it takes to cultivate standout blooms. Products available include dahlia tubers and chrysanthemums. | ||
| Foggy River Farm | A small-scale farm rooted in sustainable and holistic growing practices. Explore how plants are grown, harvested, and transformed into wellness-focused products. Products available include herbal teas, dried herbs, herbal tinctures, fire cider, and salves. | ||
| FoodShare Toronto | Works to advance food justice and improve access to healthy food across communities. Learn how FoodShare’s programs support more equitable and resilient food systems. Products available include worm castings. | ||
| Gaia Organic Seeds | An Ottawa-based seed company focused on nurturing biodiversity through organic and heirloom seed varieties. Browse regionally adapted seeds, discover unique varieties, and get practical growing advice for a successful season. Products available include organic vegetable, herb, and flower seeds, including heirloom varieties and bulk options for growers. | ||
| Garden Club of Toronto | Supports horticultural education and gardening knowledge through community engagement. Tap into the experience of seasoned gardeners and grow your confidence in the garden. | ||
| North American Native Plant Society | Promotes the conservation and use of native plants through education and advocacy. Learn how native plants support biodiversity and get guidance on growing them at home. Products available include native plant seeds. | ||
| Not Far From The Tree | Connects communities with urban fruit trees to harvest and share surplus fruit. Learn how urban fruit picking works and how you can take part in this community-powered initiative. | ||
| Ontario Iris Society | Brings together iris enthusiasts to share knowledge and appreciation for irises. Explore the diversity of irises and learn tips for growing and caring for them. Products available include society memberships, potted iris rhizomes, and seed. | ||
| Saturday Seed Co. | Supports people in growing their own food by making gardening and seed saving more approachable. Get practical guidance that helps take the guesswork out of starting seeds and growing food. Products available include non-GMO, open-pollinated organic vegetable seeds, flower seeds, and herb seeds. | ||
| SeedChange | Works with farmers in Canada and globally to strengthen sustainable food systems through locally adapted seeds while supporting women, youth, and Indigenous leadership. Learn how local and global seed movements are advancing climate solutions and protecting seed diversity. | ||
| Seeds of Diversity Canada | Works to conserve seed biodiversity through education, seed saving, and community action. Learn why protecting seed diversity matters and how you can be part of it. | ||
| Swallowtail Native Plants | Produces native seed to support ecological restoration and genetic diversity in Ontario. Learn why local ecotypes matter and how native plants strengthen ecosystems. Products available include native wildflower and grass seeds, including sedges, asters, and goldenrods. | ||
| Toronto Master Gardeners | Provides research-based gardening advice to help gardeners succeed. Bring your questions and get clear, practical guidance you can use right away. | ||
| Toronto Nature Stewards | Supports the care and stewardship of natural areas through community involvement. Learn how stewardship helps protect local ecosystems and how you can get involved. | ||
| TreeMobile | Supports food security and community greening by distributing fruit trees and food plants. Learn how to access trees and plants for your home or community space. Products available include fruit trees and food plants. | ||
| Urban Harvest Organic Seeds | Empowers growers through certified organic, non-GMO seeds selected for resilience and adaptability. Chat about seed sovereignty, biodiversity, and growing with intention. Products available include certified organic seeds and soil amendments. | ||
| WaterFarmers | A construction and landscaping company specializing in agricultural infrastructure and functional landscaping that helps people grow food, manage water, and enhance green spaces. Explore practical ideas for rainwater harvesting, food and pollinator gardens, and creating wildlife habitat — and pick up free native wildflower seeds to get started at home. | ||
| West Coast Seeds | Supplies non-GM, untreated seeds while promoting organic gardening practices. Explore a wide range of seed varieties and pick up tips for successful organic growing. Products available include non-GM, untreated vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. | ||
| Withrow Park Farmers’ Market | Supports local food systems through a community-based neighbourhood market. Learn how the market connects growers, producers, and community through local food and peruse their community seed library. | ||
| WWF-Canada | Works to conserve nature and address the most pressing threats to biodiversity. Discover ways to take action for nature and support conservation efforts. |
We’re committed to sustainability at Evergreen Brick Works. Here’s how you can help:
🛍️ Bring reusable bags or boxes to carry your seeds, plants, or garden treasures home
💧 Bring your own water bottle and use our refill fountains in Buildings 12 and 14
🍽️ Bring your own containers for Farmers Market food, or borrow reusable plates and cutlery from prepared food vendors. Return used dishes to the designated orange dish bins and we’ll wash, sanitize, and reuse!
Learn more about how Evergreen is reducing waste at the Brick Works →
Getting to Evergreen Brick Works
Free Shuttle Bus: Take the free shuttle bus from Broadview Station. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes!
To locate the shuttle stop at Broadview Station, exit the station and walk north towards Erindale Avenue. The shuttle will stop just beside the bus stop on Erindale at the side of the parkette.
TTC: Hop on the 28 bus from Davisville Station;
Bike: Ride your bike along one of the ravine trails;
Driving: Evergreen Brick Works is conveniently located just off the Don Valley Parkway (take the Bayview exit). Paid parking is available, but spaces are limited.
The Evergreen Garden Market is open all year alongside our Saturday Farmers Market. Stock up on West Coast Seeds, Northern Wildflower native seeds, houseplants, gardening tools, and sustainable home goods. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just getting started, we’ve got everything you need to grow something beautiful.
We also host festivals, events and great family-friendly programming all year!
Seedy Saturday events are grassroots gatherings that happen across Canada each spring, bringing together gardeners, seed savers, and local food advocates to celebrate seeds, biodiversity, and community resilience. These events promote seed saving, heirloom varieties, and organic growing practices while creating space for knowledge sharing between experienced growers and beginners alike.
Evergreen Brick Works is nestled in Toronto’s ravine system, a unique community hub where heritage meets nature. Discover year-round programming, Toronto’s largest Farmers Market, and a space that brings people together around environmental action and community connection.
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