Our mission

The PDL Seed Library aims to spark an interest in gardening, providing patrons with an opportunity to beautify our neighborhoods and build community with other hobby gardeners. We hope to foster a culture of generosity through sustainable seed saving that reclaims seeds as a shared public resource.

What is a seed Library?

A seed library is a free program to encourage gardening and self-reliance within a community. Anyone can take packets of seeds from our Upper Level display during the spring or fall growing seasons, and start learning how to grow their own food or flowers! There is no need to return these packets; the seeds are yours to keep and plant.
After the growing season, consider collecting seeds from your plants and giving them back to the library so our collection can grow. These seed donations can be dropped off in packets available at the circulation desk. Note that we do not accept GMO, hybrid, or otherwise patented seeds.

What is the propagation station?

Also located on the Upper Level, our propagation station is a free program where community members can exchange houseplant cuttings to grow at home. As your houseplants outgrow their pots, consider taking a cutting and donating it to the library. You can leave your small plant starts or cuttings with a PDL staff member. Please be sure to label it with the name of the plant.

how do i plant the seeds?

All seeds have distinct needs. You can find growing information online or by checking out a book from the library. Please note that due to the variable nature of wind and insect pollination, some of our seeds may not be the exact variety as labeled.

For general seed-growing guidance, see Growing From Seed: A Handbook

There are many online resources for plant-specific growing instructions, such as this directory from the brand Rare Seeds: Searchable Planting and Growing Guide

how do i harvest and save seeds?

There is also a wealth of information on saving seeds available online at seedsavers.org. After your seeds have dried, put them all in one envelope, label them with their name and variety as well as your name and year of harvest, and drop them off at the PDL Circulation desk any time during the year. Note that we do not accept GMO, hybrid, or otherwise patented seeds.

share your story

When you use our Seed Library or Propagation Station, we encourage you to write a note in our Guest Book. Tell us about your garden plans and give suggestions on what kinds of seeds you’d like to see in the library. You can also share your garden photos with us to let us know how they are doing! Email pictures to marketing@plymouthlibrary.org, or drop off a photo at one of our public desks.