For many people, the idea of gardening immediately calls to mind the sweet green days of spring. But did you know that many native Michigan wildflowers should actually be planted during the late fall and early winter? These varieties rely on what is known as cold stratification, a process which helps prevent seeds from sprouting too early in the season and being destroyed by frost.
Our Seed Library is currently open and filled with a selection of cold stratified seeds ready for fall and winter sowing. These varieties will remain available through the end of the year. For the month of December, patrons are invited to help clear out our stock by taking four seed packets instead of the regular three.
The Seed Library is found near the upper level Reference Desk, along with gardening books, fall planting tips, and donation envelopes for those looking to harvest seeds from their gardens before they go dormant for the winter. Patrons who take seeds are asked to sign our Guest Book, which also includes space to share gardening stories and Seed Library successes.Â
This fall, Jack shared that he is trying to grow catnip and hopes to bring some seeds to donate once his plant sprouts. Gwen grabbed seeds for her pollinator garden. Katy is working on winter sowing for both her personal and school gardens. Jonas picked up some seeds for his girlfriend’s garden-loving mom. And Sarah shared that she is planting her seeds in homemade pots to grow inside during the winter as a way to support her mental health.
No matter how or why you garden, the PDL Seed Library is for you. Come check out our seeds and share your story. We give special thanks to our partners at Plymouth Pollinators and all the individual seed donors who keep this resource alive. Happy planting!
