Welcome to the webpage for the Troy Public Library Seed Library!
We are thrilled to offer seeds for many different varieties of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. We strive to offer native seeds, but currently have a variety of native and non-native offerings.
For a list of our currently available seeds, please stop by the Lansingburgh Branch Library at 27 114th St, Troy.
The Seed library is Open!
We currently have a variety of seeds in packets for pick up by any local resident. We have a limit of 5 packets per person per day. The Seed Library is located at our Lansingburgh Branch Library located at 27 114th Street in Troy, NY.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What seeds are currently available at the Library?
We have a variety of seeds all the time and they go out and we add new ones, so keeping an updated list of the seeds available is not something that we are able to keep updated. If you wish to know if we have a specific type of seed, you may call us at 518-235-5310, but we cannot give you an exhaustive list of the seeds we have on hand currently.
How many seeds can I get?
We ask that patrons take no more than five (5) individual packets when they visit the seed library. Each packet has a minimum of 6-12 seeds depending on the size of the seed.
Do I have to be a member of the Library or a Resident of the City of Troy to take seeds?
No, you do not! We are happy to give seeds to anyone who will use them in good faith. We do ask that you grow and propagate them for personal use only.
What are the Seed Library Hours?
They are the same as the Lansingburgh Branch's open hours, which you can see on this page.
Do you have seeds to donate?
Please include the full name of the type of vegetable, flower, herb or grain that grows from the seeds. For example, instead of simply writing “tomato,” consider the more descriptive “Black Prince Tomato.” Please be as descriptive as possible so that we know what we are handing out!
All seeds should be from a crop that you grew or in the commercial seed company’s envelope from which you purchased the seeds.
Seeds should be less than three years old (from date of harvest) and should have been dried over at least a three-week period.
Loose seeds should be donated in a sealed plastic bag or envelope. Don't forget to label it!
Please keep in mind: The Seed Library is limited to seeds for vegetables, flowers, herbs, or grains. Roots, tubers, bulbs, or seedlings for trees cannot be accommodated. Seeds should be non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism).
Then bring them to the Branch Library during open hours, which can be found on this page.
Interested in learning more about growing vegetables? Try some of the resources below!
The Library has many, many books on gardening, harvesting, cooking, and plants! You can see our offerings and request materials in our online catalog.
Rensselaer County Master Gardeners. This well established group has been helping folks in Rensselaer County for many years with planting, maintaining, and harvesting their seeds and vegetables. They also can help you identify any garden pests and give advice for growing.
Collard City Growers. CCG is a Troy-grown organization devoted to educating folks on how to grow their own food. They have many local programs working with children and focused on social justice and food security.
YouTube. YouTube has thousands of videos on how to grow your own vegetables, flowers, trees and really anything that grows! Library staff recommend the Garden Answer and Epic Gardening channels to get you started. (always verify claims made on YouTube, remember ANYONE can post a video!).
Learn to save your seeds! We enjoyed this great post on general seed saving tips. Remember to bring your seeds back to the Library so that we have seeds for others to borrow and plant!
Thank you so much to Kayden Fitzgerald of Kayden Fitzgerald Woodworking and Design for his design and construction of our lovely Seed Library. You can see more of his work at: https://www.kaydenfitzgerald.com/