Seed Library
In the Beginning
The seed library began the summer of 2018 with donations from Baker Creek Heirloom, Seed Savers Exchange, and High Mowing Organic Seeds. The purpose is to provide free garden seeds for anyone in our library district. Anyone who takes seeds is asked to either share their harvested seeds in the fall or to bring in seeds to help keep our library stocked.
How It Works
- BORROW: Take up to 5 seed packets per week Make a mark for our records Take any guides offered, browse the gardening books, or visit our online resources for additional tips and tricks
- GROW: Plant your seeds and watch them grow
- SAVE: Save your seeds: harvest when seeds are mature, dry, and store for next season Seed saving guides are available
- RETURN: You are invited to return some of your saved seeds to the library to be shared with the community again next season. Make sure to carefully follow seed-saving guidelines for particular varieties.
Resources
- Free manuals at www.savingourseeds.org/
- The Organic Seed Alliance www.seedalliance.org/
- The Seed Savers Exchange www.exchange.seedsavers.org/
- Growseed.org http://growseed.org/GenerationtoGenernation.pdf
- Seed Savers Allliance http://www.seedsaversalliance.org/start-saving-seeds.html
https://www.seedsavers.org/how-to-save-seeds
http://www.seedsave.org/issi/issi_904.html
https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/guide-to-seed-saving
https://extension.illinois.edu/hortihints/0008c.html
http://www.lifelab.org/2012/08/seed-saving/
http://www.southernexposure.com/growing-guides-library-ezp-41.html
SSE Heritage Farm
Charles Dowding
USDA Seed Saving
For more seed saving information, contact a librarian at (309) 697-3822 ext.13 or alpha@alphapark.org or visit us at 3527 S. Airport Rd., Bartonville, IL.