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The Seed Library

What is a Seed Library?

A seed library is a communal collection of seeds. Gardeners can borrow seeds to plant and enjoy and/or donate seeds for others. By sharing seeds, we increase community resilience, food sovereignty and food accessibility for ourselves and our neighbors.

How do I use the Seed Library?

Stop in and fill out a membership form. This is a simple record not connected to your library card. It includes your name and contact information and, most importantly, a ledger for you to record which seeds you’ve checked out or donated. This helps us keep track of how many seeds our community is using and allows us to request seed donations from companies like High Mowing Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, and others who graciously provide seeds for libraries around the country.

What if I don’t know how to or can’t save seeds?

That’s fine! If you are able, please consider donating a packet or two of purchased seeds for others. We look forward to hosting seed saving workshops in the future.

How do I donate seeds?

As we work to establish this seed library, we are also developing a system for receiving and packaging seeds. The resources below have information on how to save and label your seeds for sharing. If you are able to volunteer to help with packing and labeling, please contact skrohn@richmondvt.gov.

Seed Saving Resources

Seed saving is a fun and rewarding skill to develop, but there’s a science and art to it! Learn which seeds you can save (open-pollinated, non-hybrid, etc.), when to collect, how to preserve and store them and more with these resources:

Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Saving
Gardening & Seed Saving Guides (scroll down)

The Seed Library Network
Seed Saving Instructional Videos

How To Do A Germination Test - High Mowing Seeds