How to start a Free Plant N Garden Stand
Figure out where you are going to put it.
Think about making it easy for people to share their items, next to the sidewalk or street, on your patio or carport. (visible from the street is helpful)
You can put the stand anywhere on your property that works for you and your neighborhood. Check with your neighbors and your HOA if you have one.
Having a stand is work. To be successful you’ll need to keep it tidy, don’t have old plants, keep the water that has clippings clean and keep an eye on the donations at least every other day. You can have a co-host, neighbor or family member as back up. We do not want warped furniture or bags hanging with items. Neighbors will start to complain, then the city can get involved.
Posting, on different social media, do fun giveaways for special items at least once a month or more has been a great way to keep everyone up to date.
Build it or Find it.
You can use a pallet, shelving, baskets, or whatever works for you and your neighborhood. See pictures in the group for ideas, or the map.
When choosing a stand or building one, consider its sturdiness in wind, rain, and prolonged sun. Metal is preferred, if a stand is light or easily toppled, consider cementing in place or securing it to a fence or wall; you can use rebar or heavy blocks at the bottom. If you want to bring the stand in during weather or holiday consider putting it on wheels. Painting or staining the stand can prevent water/weather damage.
Choose a waterproof and windproof container for seeds/seed packets. Seeds are a living thing and can not survive (be viable) if left out in the heat for t0o long. Learn more about being a seed librarian on our videos on the hosts private group. Make sure you do have shade in the summer if your stand is not closed, or remove the seeds in temperature at 78’ or above. (my option, do your own study on seeds to become a successful seed librarian)
Use zip ties to secure containers to the stand or wire.
Label it.
Make signage. You can write the slogan: Share generously, Take a plant-Leave some. We also like to say “thank you for supporting the stands, this is what keeps them open”. You can say whatever you think is best to communicate that your plants and gardening items are FREE to take. Decorating or painting can help people know what the stand is! Our placards are still in the works and a menu with the etiquette while visiting a stand.
Make it official.
Don’t post anything about your stand yet! We need to get you a number and get you on the map! FIRST Send Dephane Marcelle a message or email before you post anything about your stand, that includes:
A picture of your stand in place & a street view (as if you were driving)
Full Address & MAJOR Cross Streets
Fill out this form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1F6Wvy4bShJfxXoNrQN25dhQzuUUq0Wns6s9DdFMpR2s/edit
We will give you a number, then make the official announcement in the group about your stand, add you to the list and map. You will be invited to the hosts and co-hosts private group. Give us 24 hours or more if a holiday to get posted.
Stock it.
Put out cuttings, seeds, plants, pots, or any gardening supplies you want to give away. You can sort seeds into individual packets (best way) or put out a bag of seed, seed bags/envelopes and a marker for people to take what they need.
You can ask for seed/plant donations in the either group or ask a local store, buy nothing group, Nextdoor and FB market place for free stuff. As a host, we are not supposed to supply all items, it is a shared space and the gardening community love to give.
Tell people.
When you do post in either group, please have your stand # and city. Photos with all your plants, seeds or cuttings are fun to see and gives the visitors ideas of what you have at that time and gives them ideas of what they can donate. The more you post, them more visitors you will get.
Consider telling your neighbors what you are doing so they don’t get worried when they see people stopping by!
Post other places if you want (your page, neighborhood group, your BuyNothing group, Nextdoor, offer up). It would be nice if you could include the Free Plant N Garden Stands Org website for those not on FaceBook. Here is a link for those not on here: https://freeplantngardenstands.org
Our organization does YouTube videos about the stands, gardening and other helpful tips. Please go look for our name, like, subscribe and share with others.
We are a component fund under Legacy Global Programs (previously know as The Charity Foundation) share our group or website with anyone that has a business that supports our mission. https://www.freeplantngardenstands.org/donate
7. Please Make sure you have everything ready to send to me, (Dephane Marcelle ) this will save lots of time of going back and forth.
The map and list is solely owned by the Free Plant N Garden Stands Org and may not be used for purposes other than intended by the Organization and only with express written permission of the Organization.
****TOGETHER WE”RE BRINGING BACK GARDENING CULTURE*****