Time to get gardening Southampton!

SOUTHAMPTON gardeners are this month being asked to sow some extra seeds, take additional cuttings or pot-on plants to give to a charity for its fifth annual Spring Plant Sale (February 2026).

Communicare is hosting its event at the community bakery CommuniBakes in May and is asking for donations to sell to raise money to help vulnerable and isolated people in Southampton.

The charity’s Fundraising and Finance Coordinator, Emily Arbery, says: “We’re excited to be hosting our fifth annual Spring Plant Sale at our commercial venture, CommuniBakes, located at 21 St James Road in Shirley. The event will take place from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, May 16. To make the day a huge success, we’re calling on local gardeners to start growing on plants now, ready for us to sell at the event.

“All funds raised from the sale of donated plants will go directly towards supporting our work in Southampton, including our multi-generational initiatives that connect and befriend people across the city through our good neighbours’ network. Our mission is to combat isolation and boost in-person social connectedness at every age, improving health and wellbeing. That’s why this plant sale is such an important date in both our fundraising and social calendars.

“We’re encouraging anyone who is currently sowing seeds or growing on plants for themselves to also sow a few extras, pot up some additional seedlings, or take a few extra cuttings to donate to our sale. And if you already have an abundance of potted plants, indoor or outdoor, that you’d like to pass on, we’d be very grateful to sell those too. Donations can be dropped off at CommuniBakes on the day of the event from 8.30am.”

The event will be held at the bakery’s backyard and will include a range of houseplants and outdoor garden plants, depending on donations.

Attendees can also pick up a tea or coffee and a sweet or savoury treat from the bakery if they wish to. These can be enjoyed using CommuniBakes’ outside tables and chairs, subject to availability. The bakery donates any profits it makes to the charity too.

Communicare is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, which provides services that enrich the lives of isolated people in and around Southampton.

Manager, Annie Clewlow explains: “The current economic climate means we rely on fundraising events like these more than ever before. Every penny we raise is put to meaningful use, helping to improve someone’s life.

“We’re here to help people live their best lives, not simply exist. Research has repeatedly shown the serious impact loneliness can have on both physical and mental health and it’s even been described as a ‘silent killer.’ Anyone who can sow, grow, or pot up any spare plants for us to sell at this year’s event will be directly supporting our vital, and often lifesaving, work boosting social connectedness city-wide. We’re incredibly grateful for any green‑fingered help people can offer.”

Communicare’s services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.

The charity is currently supporting around 750 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping and always needs more donations and volunteers to help with its work.

The services it provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses.

The Plant Sale takes place at CommuniBakes at 21, St James Road, Shirley, Southampton on Saturday, May 16 from 10am until 12pm. Donations can be dropped at the bakery from 8.30am on the day of the event.

To find out more about the Spring Plant Sale and Communicare, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.