After a few false starts, spring is finally here. And I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the sunshine than getting my hands dirty in the garden. Whether you’re planning out your vegetable garden or planting flowers, Champaign-Urbana has an amazing array of plant sales coming up and I think the hardest part will be not buying more plants than I can fit into my yard.
Common Ground Plant and Seed Swap
April 22nd, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Common Ground Food Co-op
For this swap bring garden seeds, healthy labeled plants, and accessories to share and trade with others. Once you drop your plants on the tables you can puruse and take what you like. There will also be people to help to ID plants if you are unsure about what you have. This event is co-hosted by CU Plant People and Planted will also have a pop up there.
April 22nd, noon to 3 p.m at Delight Flower Farm
Delight flower farm is going all out with a plant sale plus local artists and food vendors. You can see the full list of vendors on their event site.
Well Fed Caterpillar Native Plant Sale
April 30th, time TBD at Riggs beer company
The goal of this organization is “to reduce habitat loss, build healthy soil, mitigate climate change, clean and preserve our water resources, and increase biodiversity.” The event will have native plants, local honey, live music, and a speaker to chat about the importance of native plants.
Grand Prairie Friends 2023 Plant Sale
April 30th, 8 a.m. Online
This online sale will feature an incredible assortment of prairie plants and flowers including 16 new species to their list. You can go through their plant catalog ahead of time to see what each species looks like and what environment they will need to thrive.
10th annual Allerton Plant Sale Fundraiser
May 5th 5 to 9 p.m., May 6th and 7th 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Allerton Parking lot
This plant sale will feature annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, native plants, and arranged hanging baskets. You can shop in person or pre-order and pick up. Food, music, and Piatt County Master Gardeners will be onsite at various times throughout the weekend.
May 12-21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sola Gratia Farm
They’ll be selling herbs, vegetables, fruit, and perennial starts. Country Arbors will also be there selling annual and perennial flowers, succulents, and bedding plants.
The Champaign-Urbana Herb Society 2023 Herb Sale
May 13th 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out) at Lincoln Square Mall
This fundraising event features a variety of herbs and perennials. It is also a great chance to get to know members and learn more about herbs. You can see what types of herbs will be available on their website. And the proceeds will go towards book donations, grants, and the societies educational public herb garden at Meadowbrook Park.
