TAPLAP Stand + Seed Library Are Open For The 2024 Season! Happy Planting!

Borrow + Return Your Favorite Seeds

Seed libraries are community-based initiatives that allow individuals to borrow and share seeds for growing plants. These libraries operate on the principles of seed saving, biodiversity preservation, and community collaboration. Here's a brief overview of how our new seed library works:

Seed Donation

Donate homegrown or store-bought seeds to the library. These can include seeds from vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other plants. The donated seeds are then cataloged, labeled, and stored in small seed packs for individual use.

Borrowing Seeds

Members of the community can "check out" seeds from the library, much like borrowing a book from a traditional library. Please take only what you need for the current planting season.

Growing and Harvesting

Grow your plants from the borrowed seeds! It is essential to allow some of the plants to mature and produce seeds to return. Feel free to follow our library's guidelines for seed-saving practices listed below.

Seed Return

At the end of the growing season, we encourage you to harvest seeds from your mature plants and return a portion of them to the library. This helps replenish the seed stock and ensures the sustainability of the library. We also accept unused store bought seeds.

Guidelines for Seed-Saving Practices

By following these seed-saving practices, the seed library can maintain a diverse and high-quality seed collection while promoting sustainable gardening practices within the community.

1. Select Healthy Plants

Choose plants that are healthy, robust, and have desirable characteristics. Avoid plants with signs of disease or poor growth.

2. Isolate Varieties

If you're saving seeds from plants that are cross-pollinated, consider isolating different varieties to maintain their purity. Use physical barriers or distance to prevent unwanted cross-pollination.

3. Allow for Maturity

Allow the plants to mature fully before harvesting seeds. Seeds should be collected when they are mature and dry on the plant. Avoid harvesting seeds from plants that are still green or have not completed their life cycle.

4. Proper Harvesting:

Harvest seeds on a dry day to prevent mold and ensure the seeds are dry. Use clean and dry containers for harvesting, and label them with the plant name, variety, and harvest date.

5. Cleaning Seeds:

Remove debris and excess plant material from the seeds. This can be done by hand or with the help of screens and sieves. Ensure that the seeds are completely dry before storage.

6. Labeling:

Clearly label each seed packet with essential information, including the plant name, variety, date of harvest, and any specific growing conditions or notes that may be helpful to other gardeners.

7. Storage Conditions

Store seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place. Use airtight containers or seed packets to prevent moisture and pests from affecting the seeds. We may re-package your donated seeds to prevent damage and ensure longevity at the library.

11. Encourage Community Participation

Encourage community members to share their seeds at the library! This can help create a supportive network of local gardeners and enhance the overall sustainability of the seed library.

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