Plant a Garden for Free through the Heirloom Seed Library
February 27, 2018 — Here’s a sure sign of spring: The Heirloom Seed Library has reopened for the season at the Library Station and Midtown Carnegie Branch Library. And in its third year, the collection includes more than 50 varieties of vegetables, from beans to zucchini, and herbs and flowers.
With a library card, all ages can check out up to four packets for a home or community garden. You don’t have to return the seeds, but gardeners are invited to harvest and save the seeds, label and return them at the end of the season.
The library is also recruiting a cadre of heirloom seed savers who will harvest the seeds post-season and return them to the seed library to be used next season. Three volunteer seed savers, Jeff Miller, Janet Trimmel and John Greenler, have provided Rattlesnake Pole Bean, Mammoth Sunflower and Purple Top White Globe Turnip seeds. And for the first time, the library includes native flower seeds.
“Other fun varieties are the Birdhouse and Luffa Gourd seeds; patrons seem to get a kick out of growing and using them around the home and garden,” says Gina Marie Walden, who helps organize the seed project.
The seed library is possible this year through a generous grant from Farmers Gastropub, a Springfield restaurant that specializes in fresh foods from local and regional farmers and producers.
Learn more about the importance of heirloom seeds, this year’s selection and planting tips by visiting thelibrary.org/seedlibrary, or ask a librarian.