Seed Library – Back in 2024

 

What is a seed library?

The basic idea is this: you come to the library to get a packet of seeds, plant them, and let them grow to maturity. You then harvest that next generation of seeds, and return them to the library so other people can check them out.

This encourages the community in growing their own healthy food (and flowers!). When people harvest the seeds from their plants and bring them to the seed library, it helps to create a seed stock that is suited to our area and climate.

Stop by the table just inside the second set of doors and you will find our seed library. Take what you want to plant, just please be mindful we have a limited supply of what was donated, so leave enough for others to enjoy the seed library as well.

How much does this cost?

This is FREE to anyone who would like seeds!

Can I donate seeds?

Yes, please!

We accept the following donations:

  • Commercial seed packages, unopened or leftover. We prefer open-pollinated or heirloom varieties. Hybrids are okay but please label them since those seeds should not be saved. Please do not donate chemically treated seeds. (Not every plant is created equally, read here about why hybrids don’t work well for seed saving.)
  • Seeds you’ve harvested yourself that are clean and dry.
  • Seeds for vegetables, fruits, herbs or flowers.
  • Seeds that are from 2021 or newer.

Seeds can be donated anytime we’re open, in the donation box next to where you can take seeds from. Seeds do not have to be split up into smaller envelopes to donate, but is helpful! We have envelopes at the library or use small paper coin envelopes that will fit into the seed library drawers. Seeds should be dropped off in a sealed container such as a Ziploc bag or jar. Please include the following information when donating seeds:

  • Seed name/variety
  • Seed company/information on where the seed came from. If your seed has a special story or history, be sure to include that too!
  • Year the seed was saved/packing date (usually on the seed packet)

If you aren’t sure how to save seeds, the Farmer’s Almanac has some great instructions for saving vegetable seeds. And the University of New Hampshire has a great section about saving all different kinds of seeds.

What seeds do you have?

This is dependent on what we have received for donations and what has been taken for use. As of March 2024, some of our seeds include:

  • Bush Beans
  • Kale
  • Butterfly Spinach
  • Squashes
  • Beets

And much more!

Thank you to our donors!
Seeds for our seed library were generously donated by High Mower Organic in VT and Sow Right Seeds to get us started, as well as from a few patrons.