Calling all gardening enthusiasts!
Community members looking to grow their own gardens have an extra resource up their sleeve. The LPL Seed Library creates a resource for finding, growing, and sharing seeds.
What is a seed library?
A seed library lets visitors “borrow” seeds for vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers, plant them at home, and then share the seeds from their plants at the end of the season with others. Through this seed swap, the library aims to build a diverse and accessible collection that is meant for all levels of gardeners – from beginners with small garden beds to more experienced green thumbs with larger growing spaces.
Why are seed libraries important?
Seed libraries can…
- Make the hobby of gardening more accessible, even in a city
- Get healthy food into patrons’ homes by providing free seeds and education about growing produce
- Promote biodiversity (the variety of life) in plants, which keeps plants healthy and adaptable
- Create community by bringing people together in shared experiences
How can I borrow seeds?
- Stop by the Circulation desk on the first floor and tell a staff member you would like to participate in the seed library.
- If it is your first time borrowing seeds, fill out the Seed Library Form.
- Choose up to 5 packets of seeds from our collection. Fill in the “Check Out” portion of your Seed Library Form.
- For tips such as what would grow best in your garden or the skill level needed to grow each type of plant, check out our collection of gardening books or visit the resources listed on our website.
How can I return or donate seeds?
- At the end of each plant’s season, you can collect, dry, and return seeds to the library (this is optional but highly appreciated!).
- Visit the resources listed on our website to learn how to preserve the seeds you collect.
- Ask a staff member for a seed packet and label it with plant name, variety, year of harvest, and any growing or plant notes you would like to include.
- Record the same information in the “Check In” portion of your Seed Library Form.
- We also welcome purchased packets of open-pollinated, non-GMO, non-hybrid seeds for our collection.
Is it free?
Yes! There is no charge to participate in the Seed Library
Do I need a library card?
No. Anyone is able to use the seed library.
🌱 Grow Your Gardening Knowledge
- Seed Savers Exchange:
- garden planning
- seed starting
- plant care
- soil health
- crop guides
- pollinator info
- seed saving instructions
- glossary of seed saving terms
- Almanac (website for The Old Farmer’s Almanac):
- growing guides
- planting calendar searchable by zip code
- pest guides
- and more!
- Penn State Extension (home gardening page, though others would be useful):
- articles on many aspects of home gardening
- contact info for Master Gardeners’ clinic
- USDA’s Plant Hardiness Map:
- find the grow zone where your live by entering your zip code
- Southern Exposure Seed Exchange:
- growing guides by both season and individual plant
- seed saving guides
- USDA’s Raised Bed and Container Gardening info:
- info about materials and construction for raised beds and containers
- USDA’s Vegetable Growing Resources page:
- veggie and flower growing guides
- info about starting seeds indoors
- Seed Ambassador’s Project zine:
- explanation of why seed saving is important
- overview of vocab and concepts
- seed saving supply list
- instructions for saving some types of seeds
- Penn State Extension seed packet reading guide:
- basic instructions for reading the info on a seed packet
- National Gardening Association:
- gardening courses
- planting guides
- pest control
- FAQs
- dictionary of garden terms
- podcasts and articles about gardening
- Penn State’s Ag School pollinator info center:
- info about PA pollinators and planting hospitable gardens for them
- Native Plant Finder tool:
- find native plants and butterflies in your area by entering your zip code
- Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation:
- info page about our region which further links to habitat assessment, plant lists, etc.
Adults:
- Herb gardening: how to prepare the soil, choose your plants, and care for, harvest, and use your herbs by Melissa Melton Snyder
- The complete guide to no-dig gardening: grow beautiful vegetables, herbs, and flowers – the easy way! by Charlie Nardozzi
- Gardening for children with autism spectrum disorders and special educational needs: engaging with nature to combat anxiety, promote sensory integration and build social skills by Natasha Etherington
- Saving seeds: the gardener’s guide to growing and storing vegetable and flower seeds by Marc Rogers
- What’s wrong with my vegetable garden?: 100% organic solutions for all your vegetables, from artichokes to zucchini by David Deardorff and Kathryn Wadsworth
- The gardener’s year
- Gardening with less water: low-tech, low-cost techniques: use up to 90% less water in your garden by David A. Bainbridge
- Raised bed revolution: build it, fill it, plant it … garden anywhere! by Tara Nolan
- McGee & Stuckey’s the bountiful container: a container garden of vegetables, herbs, fruits and edible flowers Rose Marie Nichols McGee and Maggie Stuckey
Youth:
- Edible gardening: growing your own vegetables, fruits, and more by Lisa J. Amstutz
- Plant, sow, make & grow: mud-tastic activities for budding gardeners by Esther Coombs
- My first garden Satu Hämeenaho Fox