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Seed Library

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What is a Seed Library?

A Seed Library is a self-perpetuating collection of seeds donated and shared by members of our community. Hosted at all library branches, seeds are available free of charge to any library patron. You don't need a library card to use the seed library, but we'll be happy to make one for you.

The idea is simple: you borrow from a selection of vegetable and flower seeds at any time during the year, plant them in your garden, and watch them grow. When it’s time to harvest, let a plant or two go to seed, and bring some of the seeds back to the library for other gardeners to enjoy.

Seed Saving Tips

Seeds must be fully dry before storage to prevent the seeds from breaking down and failing to germinate the following year.
Store seeds in a dark, cool, and dry place like the back of the fridge over winter in envelopes. A special tip is to place a silica packet with them to absorb any moisture.
You can save seeds from heirloom or non-hybrid plants. It is not recommended to save seeds from hybrids or GMOs. Hybrid sees may result in weak and unhealthy plants due to their mixed parentage.
Label the seed packets preferably in paper envelopes with the plant's name, season harvested, best growing conditions, and any other relevant information available.
For guides on saving seeds, visit Southern Ontario Seed Saver or explore the large selection of gardening guides and books in the library's catalogue.

Download a Seed Library brochure.

How to donate:

Starting on Tuesday, September 24, community members can donate seeds by picking up labelled envelopes and information sheets from any GPL branch.
At home, fill the envelope with 9 to 15 seeds, and fill out the information on the front of the envelope.
Return the envelope to any GPL branch.

When is the Seed Library available?

In Spring 2025, the seeds will be available to our community members at all four GPL branches.
Donated seed packets will be sorted and distributed to each branch.
Each branch will have a chest of drawers that will house available seeds.
Community members can go to any branch, and ask to pick up seeds.

How many can I take at a time?

There is no limit, but since supplies are limited, please consider that others may also want seeds.

Can I request the type of seeds I would like?

Since we cannot predict the seeds available for donation, we are unable to accommodate requests for specific seeds.

Why seed lending?

Growing and saving seeds from locally grown plants helps cultivate varieties that do well in our region.
It helps preserve genetic diversity of old varieties.
We hope to cultivate a network of seed savers in the region, supporting each other and the seed library as a resource for the gardening community.
It helps to strengthen our local food system.
Heirloom varieties provide different flavor profiles and interesting physical features, such as colorful carrots.

How seed libraries support the community

Seeds are donated by community organizations and by people like you.
Collecting local heirloom varieties helps preserve seed that might otherwise be lost.
It promotes local agriculture by growing collections of seeds locally adapted to the region.
Local experts host how-to classes, from planting seeds, companion planting, and saving seeds to preserving your bounty.

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