Looking forward to meeting again 17th March, 2pm as usual. Bring anything from the kitchen or garden to share (see ideas below-- you have more than you think!).

We are now on the map! Check out the Crop Swap New Zealand website where you can find crop swaps all over the country, including ours now.

Last meeting, on the 3rd of March we had a lovely time chatting and sharing. Some of the things we shared were basil, thyme, cucs, beans, marmalade and and ABUNDANCE of apples. We were able to share the excess apples with the Ngaruawahia Community Kai Cupboard which was really appreciated.

If you have been thinking of checking it out, we look forward to seeing you soon. Please come along, whether you have an abundance to share, or just at little at the moment. It is about the joy of sharing rather than a one-for-one swap.

Here is a rundown of how a typical meeting works, so you know what to expect.

How it all works:

• 2-2:30pm time to set up and check out everyone's offerings and catch up.

  • Everyone displays what they brought to share on the table for admiring.
  • A good time to ask others about their gardens and meet your neighbours

• 2:30 pm announcements, then we pick out new goodies to take home!

  • We'll go around and introduce ourselves and what we brought.
  • It is not direct swapping, potentially everyone can get a little bit of everything.
  • If you can, bring large things like pumpkins or bread cut up to share.

• Usually all is done by 3pm.

Ideas for what to bring:

• FROM THE GARDEN:

  • Whatever you have heaps of!
  • Little plants that have come up from seed. Bung them in some damp newspaper and bring them along.
  • Seeds, cuttings, cut flowers, excess plants.
  • Be creative-- others may not have little things you take for granted like: lemons, little bunches of herbs, bay leaves, etc.

• FROM THE KITCHEN:

  • Preserves, pickles, chutney, sourdough starter, kombucha, sauerkraut, cordials.
  • Baking! Muffins, crackers, bread, cake, cookies.
  • Sprouted seeds.
  • Extra jars you would be recycling but others may want to make jams or chutneys in them.

Get picking and come to share, love to see you there.

(See Crop Swap Aotearoa for more about the values of crop swaps meeting all around New Zealand.)