Do you have perennials that have reseeded in your garden and crowded out plants you love? Do you have any house plants that you would like to share with friends, or suckers from shrubs that need clipped, or are you dividing bulbs that have overgrown their space? Then you should attend Bring One, Take One at 9:30 a.m Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Mahoning County Ohio State University Extension, 490 Broad St., Canfield, to find the perfect plant for your garden or home. This is a FREE community plant exchange and information event, providing an opportunity to find that perfect plant to bring home and love.

Bring up to five plants to exchange for another well-loved plant. Acceptable plants must be free of insects and weeds and should either be in a clean pot or double-bagged with some original soil surrounding the roots. A clean pot should have been washed with one part bleach to nine parts water and allowed to dry before planting. If not using a pot, plastic double bags with enough original soil to cover the roots will ensure the plant will remain healthy.

Invasive plants are not accepted and if you’re unsure if a plant is invasive, you can check with a master gardener by visiting the Plant & Pest Clinic at the OSU Extension from 9 a.m. to noon on either Mondays or Thursdays. Bring the plant, a leaf or its flower on the stem to aid in identification.

Each plant should be labeled with the plant name, flower color and the location where it will thrive — full sun, partial sun or shade. You may also add your name to the label if preferred. If you do not have labels, the master gardeners will help you.

The excitement begins at plant drop-off, beginning at 9:30 a.m., with the exchange at 10 a.m. You will receive a ticket for each plant you bring, up to five.

At the sound of the first bell, you will choose one plant. This process will be repeated four more times — provided you have brought five plants — until all plants have been chosen.

During this time, master gardeners who volunteer at the Pest & Plant Clinic will answer questions concerning your problems, but if a question needs further research, forms will be available to complete, and the master gardeners will send helpful information to you.

If you have questions concerning BOTO, please call the Mahoning County OSU Extension at 330-533-5538 or stop in the office 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

We look forward to seeing you at the swap. This is a great opportunity to decrease oversized plants and discover the perfect plant for your garden or home!

Kane Shipka is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.