Staten Island’s Seed Swap Grows in St. George

St. George’s community center sprouted last night with Staten Island’s Seed Swap, sowing NYC’s spring. Host Mia Chen traded basil as 100 swapped, a free green kickoff for the season. It’s borough roots—pots welcome, pure SI vibe. A kid nabbed tomato seeds; a pro hauled peas. ‘Staten plants—this is it,’ Chen says, sorting packs. The tables turned fertile.

The swap’s fresh—March 22’s debut, it tripled since RSVPs, packing rows by 2 p.m. Chen’s a Tottenville grower; last night’s crowd hit max—dirt flew. A latecomer nabbed a pack; tips swapped—NYC grit glowed. Soil bags sold—$2 fueled green thumbs. #SISeeds trended; Bronx wants a sprout.

Some shrugged—’Too small,’ griped a farmer, dodging pots. Space pinched—latecomers stood; growth held. A packet spilled—swept quick; swap rolled. Manhattan wants in, but St. George owns it—seeds rule. The center’s never bloomed so tight.

Chen’s teasing a spring fair, maybe a garden if plots bite. ‘NYC’s earth—this sows it,’ she says, boxing sacks. The swap’s a Staten win—grit meets green. It’s a grower’s gem; trade a seed. Bring a jar—roots call.