Tampa Plant Market & Plant Swap

Green Thumbs Gather for Tampa's December Plant Exchange

Centro Asturiano de Tampa transforms into a botanical marketplace on Sunday, December 13th from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, hosting the Tampa Plant Market & Plant Swap. The historic venue's architectural character provides an unexpected backdrop for rows of vendors and tables piled with cuttings, rare specimens, and starter plants. December's cooler temperatures make this timing ideal for plant shopping—no wilting in the Florida heat before getting purchases home.

What to Expect:
The event splits between marketplace and swap meet, drawing everyone from serious collectors hunting variegated monstera to beginners looking for low-maintenance pothos. Vendors typically set up along the perimeter while the center area becomes swap territory, where attendees trade cuttings and share growing tips. The late afternoon start means natural light streams through the windows during setup, then the space takes on a warmer glow as evening settles in and the crowd builds.

Insider Tips:
- Bring small bills and cash—many vendors at plant markets prefer it, and it speeds up transactions
- Pack a cardboard box or reusable bags with dividers to safely transport plants home without soil spills
- The swap portion works best when bringing labeled cuttings or small pots to trade, even common varieties find takers
- Arrive closer to 4:30 PM for the widest selection, though deals often emerge in the final hour as vendors thin inventory
- Wear layers since the venue's interior temperature can shift as the crowd grows
- Download a plant identification app beforehand to research unfamiliar species on the spot

Getting There:
Centro Asturiano sits on North Nebraska Avenue in the Tampa Heights neighborhood, easily spotted by its distinctive Spanish Renaissance architecture. The Fernando Noriega Junior Garage offers covered parking about 390 meters from the venue, a practical choice given the December evening timing. Multiple bus stops serve the area, with Nebraska Avenue @ Palm Avenue just 129 meters away and Nebraska Avenue @ 7th Avenue at 145 meters, both connecting to several routes. Street parking lines Nebraska Avenue and surrounding blocks, though it fills quickly on event days. The venue sits roughly three blocks north of where 7th Avenue crosses Nebraska, a useful landmark when navigating the neighborhood.

Local Scene:
Tampa Heights has quietly built a food scene that matches the plant market's independent spirit. Elevenses Co sits 577 meters away, offering vegan and vegetarian options that work well for a light pre-market bite. The Indie Flea operates from the same building as Cuban Club at 606 meters, sometimes running concurrent markets that extend the shopping experience. Lee's Grocery, about 576 meters north on Central Avenue, provides that neighborhood corner store vibe for grabbing drinks or snacks. The area around Centro Asturiano carries Tampa Heights' ongoing transformation—old brick buildings mixed with newer developments, creating a neighborhood that feels both rooted and evolving. Post-market, the 9:00 PM end time leaves options open for dinner elsewhere, though the immediate vicinity leans more toward daytime establishments.