Local Seed Library

[Arrakis]

I was wondering if anyone has a seed library in their community. If so, is it utilized by you and or the community? I'm a volunteer at my local library and one thing I help out with is the spring plant swap and I recently offered my services to be more active with the seed library. Soon I'll be meeting with the person who is in charge of it. He's been gardening and saving seed in this area since the 70's (I'm pretty sure this is what I heard). Although this is completely new to me, I look forward to an education.

 

[Ridgerunner]

First, thanks for volunteering at anything that helps your community. We'd be better off if more people did that.

I'm not aware of any seed library or anything like that locally. You are right, you should get a real education just chatting with that expert.

How does that library work, do people check out seeds to grow and give some back saved seeds from what they grow or is it just they get seeds to grow?

 

[so lucky]

That might be something a Master Gardener's group could do. Great idea.

 

[Arrakis]

Anyone with a library card can borrow seeds. At the end of the season they bring back seed to replenish what was borrowed and a little extra. Most of the catalog seed has been grown and saved locally. The library does buy seed occasionally if running low. Unfortunately, some people continue to borrow and never bring back. To help, classes on seed saving are held several times a year, some with hands on demonstrations at local gardens. It's my understanding many libraries across the country are doing this already. Most need volunteers to make seed libraries successful. What better way to share your gift by getting involved with your local seed library (or starting one).

 

[aftermidnight]

We don't have one locally that I know of but something I should look into.

Annette

 

[journey11]

This is something I have been interested in for a few years now. I would love to see one started in my community. I would love to have a part in starting one, but I've had to admit that this is not a realistic goal for me right now until I have a little more spare time.

We have a community garden renting spaces and also raised beds at the elementary school for a couple years now, so I think it is a matter of time. I want to take the Master Gardeners course and I think starting up a seed library would be a great way to satisfy the required hours of community service. It will take some volunteer involvement to keep it going though. The Master Gardeners tend the flowers at the library already, so I think there may be support for it. I carry no sway in my community personally, but I think that would be a good way to get people on board.

If someone starts one before I do, I would certainly be glad to volunteer my time and seeds from my collection. We're in 4-H as well and I am going to do a presentation on seed saving for the kids this spring and give out some beans. I'd like to host a local seed swap just to see what kind of interest there may be.

I've been following Richmond Grows (CA) for some time, learning about how it's done. There are 2 in WV so far I think. I am curious to know if they have had any trouble with the Commissioner of Agriculture as the law is a little vague regarding if they consider seed libraries to be under state regulation on the distribution of seed. If they can't tax it, they might not approve.

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

i have not been sure if my local library does this or not. i should give mine a call sometime to see. i have heard of issues in some states that heavily regulate seed swapping & pull the state's labeling law as part of the reason they don't want them being used. stating some plants as 'non-native' & 'disrupt the local flora/fauna by possibly containing weed seeds'.

i know in ME every year there is a seed swap at FedCo in March & some year i plan to go to one just to see what it is about. i have some Glass Gem corn, tomato & beans i could trade. sometimes i just have too much left in a packet that i just don't want to waste or didn't like my results & don't want to keep it around.