What is a Seed Library?

A seed library is a seed distribution resource for community members who are interested in growing plants from seeds. The "Lets Eat, Randolph!" Seed Library provides community members with free seeds for plants that grow food.

 

Who can use the Seed Library?

Anyone can use the Seed Library! We welcome community members of all ages and skill levels. There is no cost to take seeds, but we ask that each household limit themselves to four seed packets per growing season. We appreciate everyone's understanding that this is a shared community service

 

How does the Seed Library work?

Community members are welcome to visit the Seed Library on the Main Floor during Turner Free Library's operating hours. Community members are welcome to choose up to four packets of seeds from the available selection at no cost. Supplies are limited and on a first come, first served basis.

 

When should seeds be planted?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but a good place to start is the Farmer's Almanac 2023 Planting Guide for Randolph. This guide contains information about the best time to plant seeds, when to plant seeds directly in the ground, and when to transplant seedlings.

 

Are there food gardening resources in multiple languages?

ECHOcommunity provides food growing resources in multiple languages. We have compiled a list of growing guides that are available in Kreyòl Ayisyen/Haitian Creole, Tiếng Việt/Vietnamese, Español/Spanish, and English:

• Legim / Rau trồng vườn / Hortalizas / Garden Vegetables

• Zèb ak flè yo/ Thảo mộc và hoa / Hierbas Aromáticas y Flores / Herbs and Flowers

• Legim Fèy/ Các loại rau sống / Verduras de hoja / Leafy Vegetables

• Tout Kalite Joumou/ Bí đao, Bầu và Bí ngô / Distintos tipos de calabazas / Squash, Gourds, and Pumpkins

• Sereyal ak Pòmdetè / Cây ăn củ / Raíces y tubérculos / Roots and Tubers

• Legim Vejetal / Rau họ đậu / Legumbres vegetales / Legumes

The City of Seattle has a basic gardening guide on urban gardening available in multiple languages:

• "Growing Food in the City" (English)

• Tiếng Việt/Vietnamese

• Español/Spanish

• 简体中文/Simplified Chinese

While this guide is tailored to the climate in Western Washington, it contains valuable information on gardening that can be used by gardeners on the South Shore.

 

Does Turner Free Library accept seed donations?

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept donations of seeds at this time but we hope to be able to do so in the future!