Seed Gathering Season – September 23, 2026

Seed Gathering Season
Categories:
Tags:
ConservationEnvironmental
Where:
United Kingdom
Date change rule:
Every September 23 to October 23
Holiday emoji:
🌱

Seed Gathering Season takes root annually from September 23 to October 23. This month-long observance, primarily in the U.K., champions the vital act of collecting and planting seeds to foster new life before winter. Get involved by gathering native seeds, starting a home nursery, or supporting local conservation efforts.

Want to sponsor Seed Gathering Season? Learn how

Expected Seed Gathering Season Deals

As Seed Gathering Season unfolds from September 23 to October 23, the focus shifts from commercial sales to vital conservation efforts. Organizations like the Woodland Trust and National Trust often host seed collection events and workshops, encouraging public participation. Gardening retailers such as Thompson & Morgan and Suttons Seeds may offer discounts on seed-starting kits and native plant seeds to support home gardeners. Look for local nurseries and environmental groups promoting seed swaps and educational programs. We encourage direct engagement with conservation charities and local initiatives to support their invaluable work in reforesting and rewilding our landscapes.

Platform Guide for Seed Gathering Season

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SeedGatheringSeason. Share photos of your seed collection, planting process, or the results of your green thumb.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SeedGatheringSeason. Join local gardening groups to organize seed swaps and share tips.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #SeedGatheringSeason. Discuss the importance of biodiversity and share resources for sustainable planting.

Social Media Tips for Seed Gathering Season

Individuals

Head outdoors to collect seeds from local native plants, ensuring you only take what you need and leave plenty for wildlife. Plant them in pots or designated areas for future growth.

Creators

Produce video tutorials on identifying, collecting, and storing different types of seeds. Document the journey from seed to seedling, inspiring others to start their own planting projects.

Brands

Gardening centers and environmental organizations can host community seed-gathering events, offering educational workshops on native plant propagation and habitat restoration.

Organizations & Brands for Seed Gathering Season

  1. Woodland Trust

    Founded in 1972, the Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the United Kingdom. It owns over 1,000 woods across the U.K. and campaigns to protect ancient woodland, plant new trees, and restore damaged woods.

  2. National Trust

    Established in 1895, the National Trust is a conservation organization in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It protects and opens to the public over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks, and nature reserves, many of which involve extensive seed collection and planting programs.

  3. Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

    The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), founded in 1804, is the UK's leading gardening charity. It promotes horticulture through its gardens, flower shows, and extensive educational resources, including advice on seed saving and propagation for gardeners.

  4. Thompson & Morgan

    One of the oldest seed and plant companies in the UK, Thompson & Morgan was founded in 1855. They offer a vast range of seeds, plants, and gardening equipment, actively encouraging home gardeners to grow from seed and support biodiversity.

  5. Suttons Seeds

    With a heritage dating back to 1806, Suttons Seeds is a renowned UK supplier of seeds, bulbs, and plants. They champion sustainable gardening practices and provide resources for collecting and growing seeds, aligning with the spirit of the season.

  6. Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)

    The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, established in 1759, is a world-renowned scientific institution and visitor attraction. Its Millennium Seed Bank Partnership is the largest ex situ plant conservation program in the world, dedicated to saving seeds from at-risk plant species globally.

  7. The Wildlife Trusts

    A grassroots network of 46 wildlife charities across the UK, The Wildlife Trusts work to protect and restore nature. They engage communities in practical conservation, including seed collection and planting for habitat creation and species recovery.

Seed Gathering Season Hero

Richard Mabey

Richard Mabey is a celebrated British nature writer and botanist, known for his deep ecological insights and popular books like 'Flora Britannica.' His work often highlights the importance of native plant species and their role in local ecosystems, inspiring many to engage with nature, including seed gathering and conservation.

History of Seed Gathering Season

Seed Gathering Season is celebrated when autumn officially begins in the U.K. The month has been observed each year since 1998 and the celebrations are organized by The Tree Council. The Council puts it this way: “By gathering seeds (and growing them into trees!), you can help make sure that our treescapes continue to thrive in the future.” Seeds are planted in their hundreds each year so that there’s enough green cover for the future. Throughout the month, people look for the seeds of native trees that can bear the winter chill. These plants grow up to be the next generation of trees that give us shade, fruits, and clean air.

People are also encouraged to learn to first identify the different kinds of seeds. They are cautioned not to gather more than necessary since the wildlife relies on the nuts and seeds too. There are many kinds of seeds, and it is best to gather them from the ground rather than picking them from plants. It is also advisable with tall trees since injuries could occur from climbing. Plant physiologists, ecologists, geneticists, and forest managers also find harvesting seeds from tall trees daunting, and they have specialized techniques.

In 2021 different seed gathering platforms hosted online get-togethers to discuss seeds and have workshops. There were also talks to celebrate the assortment, chances, and cultural connections of seeds in the U.K. and Ireland.

Seed Gathering Season timeline

10,000 B.C.
First Gardens

Plants are kept in enclosed outdoor spaces.

16th Century
Ornamental Gardening

Well-decorated gardens become a trend among the affluent.

1633
Public Gardens

The Spanish Royalty builds gardens in public places.

20th Century
Modernism in Gardens

Gardens become public spaces for meeting and merriment.

Seed Gathering Season FAQs

When is Seed Gathering Season?

Seed Gathering Season 2026 runs from Wednesday, September 23 to Saturday, October 23, encouraging a month of active conservation. It’s the perfect time to connect with nature and contribute to future biodiversity.

Why is Seed Gathering Season celebrated?

Seed Gathering Season was initiated to encourage more people to participate in gardening and tree planting, fostering future generations of flora. It addresses concerns about deforestation by empowering individuals to help re-green the Earth.

Where is Seed Gathering Season primarily observed?

Seed Gathering Season is primarily observed in the U.K., where it was established to coincide with the period just before winter. This timing allows collected seeds sufficient time to germinate and establish themselves for spring.

What kind of seeds are collected during Seed Gathering Season?

Participants typically focus on collecting seeds from native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that are well-adapted to the local environment. This ensures that new plantings contribute to local biodiversity and ecological resilience.

How to Observe Seed Gathering Season

  1. Gather seeds

    Gather seeds responsibly by collecting fallen seeds from trees, flowers, and fruits. Take care to not harm a plant while collecting its seeds.

  2. Make compost

    Make your own compost using manure, vegetable and fruit peels, and soil. Plant your seed in the compost and wait for it to germinate in spring.

  3. Gift seeds

    You can celebrate Seed Gathering Season by gifting seeds to your friends who enjoy gardening. Seeds make for very thoughtful gifts.

5 Facts About Seeds That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Orchid pods are bountiful

    They may contain up to three million seeds.

  2. Coconuts are seeds

    Double coconuts are the largest seeds in the world.

  3. Seeds are very sturdy

    Some seeds may live up to 10,000 years in perfect condition.

  4. Oaks are late bloomers

    They might not give their first acorns until they are 50 years old.

  5. They are a source of food

    Seeds are a source of food for people and various animals.

Why Seed Gathering Season is Important

  1. It’s good for our mental well-being

    Gardening and being in the company of plants are good for your mental well-being. Spending long amounts of time in nature can make you happy, calm, and stress-free.

  2. It preserves native plants

    Planting seeds preserve native plants that are important to the local ecosystem. This in turn also preserves local birds and animals.

  3. Seeds for a green future

    Planting seeds today means gifting trees to future generations. The trees will help battle climate change, give fruits and shade, and teach children the importance of nature.

Seed Gathering Season dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 23 Wednesday
2027 September 23 Thursday
2028 September 23 Saturday
2029 September 23 Sunday
2030 September 23 Monday