Learn about seed libraries, seed swaps and how to save your own seeds. These are great ways to share your love of gardening.
Seed Libraries, Seed Swaps & Seed Saving
My friend Gail was just showing me her catalog from The Hudson Valley Seed Library. She purchased several packets of seeds for her gorgeous garden. I wish I had taken a picture of these packets because they were truly beautiful. You see, this company recruits local artists to create beautiful art packs for some of their seeds. And did you know that Hudson Valley Seed Library, started out as one of the country's first seed libraries?
Seed Libraries
If you haven't heard of a seed library, then let me explain. Seed libraries are typically actual libraries where in addition to books, you can also check out seeds. The idea is to let people take the seeds home and plant them for free, with the promise that they will return the seeds from their best crops. Cool idea, huh? This process gets the community involved in gardening and helps everyone receive some of the best seeds possible.
These seed libraries are popping up all over the country.
Here is a site with lists and maps to help you find one near you.
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If you can't find a seed library nearby you could certainly start your own.
The Seed Library Social Network is full of information on how to start your own seed library.
Seed Swaps
Don't want to go to the trouble of starting a seed library? How about a seed swap? I love to invite my girlfriends over in the spring for a garden party where we swap perennials that we are dividing for the new season. You can do this with a seed swap.
Many people also hold community seed swaps, where people gather together to swap their own seed collections with other like-minded gardeners.
Lovely Greens - 12 Tips on how to organize a Seed Swap
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - How to Host a Seed Swap
Online Memberships
Even if you don't have a seed library in your area, and you don't want to start one or participate in a local swap, you can always participate with thousands of others online. For example, you can become a member of The Community Seed Network. The CSN was initiated by seed savers in Canada and the United States. By creating a profile on the CSN, you automatically become a member of the network, and you will be searchable on the CSN map and directory. This is a great way to let others know where you are, what you are doing in the seed world, and how they can connect with you.
Saving Your Own Seeds
Maybe you are interested in getting involved but have never actually saved your own seeds. Here are a few great articles from some of my gardening friends to help you out.
Empress of Dirt - How To Save Heirloom Tomato Seeds
Flower Patch Farmhouse - Seed Saving
Garden Therapy - Seed Saving Basics
Grow a Good Life - How to Save Bean Seeds to Plant Next Year
Hearth and Vine - Make Your Own Antique Wooden Seed Box
Seed libraries, seed swaps and saving your own seeds to share with others, is a fun and affordable part of gardening.
More importantly, you will be encouraging others to grow their own plants, and helping to preserve heirloom varieties that might otherwise be lost forever.
P.S. You may also enjoy 7 Gardening Rules of Thumb for New Plants or this article on 7 Gardening Hacks to Make Life Easier. You can find these and much more on my Gardening Page.
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Carole West
Love this article and it left me with some good vibes. Also thanks for the mention that was really sweet. Seed saving for me began in my grandmothers garden. I know - big surprise, she started me off with marigolds. Which was smart because they make a great introduction especially for those with a short attention span. We gathered and dried the seed pods and stored plastic sandwich bags by filling them half way. Then I sold them in my moms beauty shop for 25 cents. Going to check out that community seed network - looks neat. Enjoyed!
Patti Estep
Ahh, of course, you were a young entrepreneur even at a young age sharing your garden knowledge with the public. What a fun idea for kids.
JESSICA A WILKINS
I am looking for something like whats in this picture, the little paper bags, what are those called
Patti Estep
Those are glassine bags I purchased on Amazon.
Farrah
Seed libraries!?!?! This is so awesome! <3 I wonder if there's one somewhat close to me! I don't really have any place to grow things right now though (I've been growing green onions in a couple mason jars with water though! 😛 ) Thanks for those sites + resources! <3
Patti Estep
Hi Farrah,
Yes, seed libraries are popping up everywhere. If you don't find anything near you physically you can swap online. I'd even try calling a couple of local libraries and asking them. You never know.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Jeanne
What a fun, informative post - I am very intrigued. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Patti Estep
Hi Jeanne,
I'm so glad you like the post. I think it's a fun idea.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti