Libraries From Books To Seeds
Ashleigh Smith
You might have heard about seed banks, exchanges, or conventions. But have you heard of seed libraries? Seed libraries are stations set up for people to collect seeds for the coming growing seasons. Rather than hosting a one-time event for people to gather and swap seeds, consider starting a seed library. Food doesn’t have to be a scarce resource for your local communities. Empower individuals and families to take charge of their access to food from the ground up. Anyone can grow a garden, even if it is just by recycling household containers like newspaper and egg cartons.
Here in Salt Lake City, we have partnered with our local Public library to provide thousands of seeds for those wanting to experience the joy of growing. You don’t have to have a library card to pick up some seeds. Simply pick which seeds you want to try and fill out your check-out form. The Seed Library is refilled with more seeds to provide a broad selection throughout the year. Not only are the seed libraries available at the main city branch but also throughout the various neighborhoods.
Get your seed library started by using pre-packed seed packets, or make your own by dividing bulk seed bags. You can use anything from drawers or shelves to repurposing old catalog carts. We also encourage locations hosting seed libraries to get involved in community gardening efforts. Many cities or schools provide community or student gardens. Find a way to get involved in your local garden efforts, or start one yourself. Regardless of the regular shortages of fruits and vegetables that occur from weather problems or transportation issues, you can secure food for your community.
Youth Gardening Group
Some of my favorite memories from my high school years include growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers in our school greenhouses and orchards. As students, we became familiar with common growing and maintenance practices like pest control, pruning, staking, and watering. Don’t forget to involve your local extension office for growing advice and resources tailored to your local climate. All you need to get started is soil, seeds, water, and light. Don’t let a lack of land or greenhouses get in the way of supplying your community members with the most basic human needs. Gardening is the perfect activity to get your youth outside and involved in community efforts.
Start a seed library in your community today!
Ideas for Seed Library Locations:
- libraries
- City Offices
- Schools
- Cafe's
- Boys and Girls Club
Please share any other ideas you have in the comments section below.
About the Author
I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
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7 comments
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Meg
I love the seed library idea, this is something that would make a great senior project for a student to get going locally!
Jodi Lemaster
I have never heard of a seed library! What a great idea. I am going to see if any of my surrounding communities have one and if not look into forming one.
Wendy Chapman
In Michigan there are several seed libraries across the state. I am starting one at our local library in Buchanan in March. Great read!
Jamie Sheckler
I’ve never heard of seed libraries before. This is a great idea. It reminded me of the clever way I store my seeds (in a binder).
Mia Horstman
Our sister library, is a seed library and its wonderful!
Debra
Hello Ashley, This message option keeps changing the correct spelling of your name, so, I apologize for the incorrect spelling. I just wanted to congratulate you on your Horticulture degree. My husband graduated from BYU in 1976. I learned about the seed library from a YouTube blog and think it’s an awesome idea. And I can’t wait to see if this is available in my area. I have lived in my house in Lawrenceville, Georgia for almost 50 years, after many attempts to grow in my soil I gave up trying because my soil seems to be contaminated. Lately I have learned so much from YouTube videos and sprouting seeds and container gardening is my new favorite thing. I also bought a greenhouse because in the years when I did well with gardening I lost everything to acid rain, and yes, acid rain is a real thing! So, thanks again for everything that you do to help people like me who don’t have a degree in Horticulture and have learned only from repeated failure. Thanks for your suggestions and link options as well. I have wanted to learn more about the seed library and my county extension options for awhile and your suggestions have motivated me. Sincerely, Debra Elmore
