How to: Start your own Seed Library

Starting a seed library helps your community grow its own food. A seed library provides free access to seeds and promotes a culture of sharing.

“Without a sustainable seed system, we don’t have a sustainable food system,” says Anna Turkle of Antioch University New England.

Seed libraries make seed available, free of charge. Folks can take seed home, plant it, grow out the plants, and enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of their labor. If they save the seed from their harvest, they can then bring it back to the library and the cycle continues.

In this video, educator Rachel Brice of Monadnock Grows Together (MGT) sits down with Anna Turkle, who led the establishment of a seed library at the Keene Public Library in Keene, NH. Brice and Turkle discuss the common elements that bring all seed libraries together:
1. Exhibit Design
2. Organization
3. Education
4. Budget

Specifically, Brice and Turkle address the following:

Exhibit design: How do you make a seed library that communicates effectively its story with the user? What tips and tricks can you use to share the message about seed saving?

Organization: How should the seed be organized for ease of use? How do you track users or evaluate the program?

Education: Seed libraries need a part of the user-base to return seed. Those users potentially need education in how to save seed. Other users might need education in how to grow plants in their gardens, homesteads, small farms, etc.

Budget: Turkle lays out the complete budget for the seed library project, and offers suggestions for building your own budget.

Monadnock Grows Together (MGT) is a free local resource for gardeners and small-scale urban farmers looking for advice, information, and support. MGT received funding for this project from the National Association of Conservation Districts. The Cheshire County Conservation District, the Keene Public Library, Antioch University New England and their Community Gardens Connections program, and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) were all involved partners. Daniel Prial, NCAT, produced this video.

For more information, head to:
Monadnock Grows Together:
cheshireconservation.org/monadnockgrowstogether

Cheshire County Conservation District:
cheshireconservation.org/

Antioch University New England:
antioch.edu/new-england/

Community Garden Connections:
antioch.edu/new-england/resources/centers-insti…

Keene Public Library:
ci.keene.nh.us/keene-public-library

National Association of Conservation Districts:
nacdnet.org/

National Center for Appropriate Technology:
ncat.org/