Seed Libraries
Introduction
"A seed library is a place where community members can get seeds for free or for a nominal fee and is run for the public benefit. Many seed libraries are open in public libraries and community centers. For some communities, getting folks to garden and grow some of their own food is the focus. For other communities, seed libraries may be created as an important step to develop a network of seed savers, to create locally adapted varieties, to respond proactively to climate change or loss of gene integrity due to GMOs or to preserve genetic diversity. Seed saving is something humans have done for over 10,000 years. Rejoin the ritual and start to save seed and share the abundance in your community." - Seed Libraries
Share Responsibly!
It is unfortunately quite easy to accidentally buy non-native, or worse, invasive plants from vendors, especially bulk "wildflower seed" packages which often have a handful of native, but mostly invasive species in them. The best way to get your hands on a truly native wildflower pack is to check with your local conservation groups or other organizations focusing specifically on rewilding in your local region.
Be sure to check before planting or sowing. We have two international directories to help, one with native plants, and one that lists invasives.
Europe
Ireland
Seed Sovereignty (Interactive Map) use this link to find seed swaps, libraries, seed banks and more throughout the UK including, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
UK
Seed Sovereignty (Interactive Map) use this link to find seed swaps, libraries, seed banks and more throughout the UK including, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Scotland
Edinburgh Seed Network "is a new project set up by a small volunteer collective to facilitate the sharing and celebration of seed among home and community growers in Edinburgh. We want everyone to have free access to growing food that’s good for the environment and good for us."
North America
USA
Native Seeds/SEARCH "seeks to find, protect and preserve the seeds of the people of the Greater Southwest so that these arid adapted crops may benefit all peoples and nourish a changing world."
Arizona
Massachusetts
South Carolina
Spring Seed Library "is a partnership between the ASWCD and the Anderson County Main Branch Library. Any individual with a library card is able to check out 5 FREE seed packets of their choosing. Then take them home, plant the, and watch it grow!" "We will also be doing 2022 Pop-Up Seed Libraries at our neighboring library branches including..."
Texas
Austin Public Library (Central Location): Seeds & Sustainability: Central Library Seed Collection "The Seed Collection is a joint project of the Austin Public Library and the Central Texas Seed Savers, a grassroots group of seed savers, gardeners, horticulturists and social activists that coalesced around the idea of establishing a repository and exchange system for seeds of land race, heirloom, locally adapted and native varieties of fruits and vegetable and other useful plants in Central Texas region. The Seed Collection is housed in the classic card catalog cabinet on the Austin Central Library's 6th floor. Everyone is welcome to "check out" and "return" seeds from the collection. If you have more questions about this project or would like to join our green gang, please Ask a Librarian."
Sow.Grow.ReapEat Program "Seed Library The El Paso Public Libraries are now seed libraries!
Seed libraries are places that share or lend seeds. Each library has a collection of non-genetically modified fruit, vegetable, and herb seeds available for patrons to start their own edible gardens. “Check-out” up to 5 seed packets per season with your library card. The seeds are yours to keep (no late or lost fees!), but once you are a successful gardener, let some of your healthiest plants “go to seed.” Harvest the seed, save some for yourself, and donate some to the public library to keep our collections stocked."Twin Oaks Branch- drop off bulk seed donations at this location
University Hills Branch
University of Texas at Austin Seed Swap in the UT Tower by the Herbarium
Little Seed Libraries in Texas
Festival Beach Food Forest Located on the main trail between a bench and the harvest kiosk. Its coordinates are 30.2534150, -97.7353691.
PEAS Community Farm 2200 Berkeley Ave 78745 "Farm is set back on the east side of campus. Farm hours are from 3:30pm til dusk Monday-Friday and dawn til dusk on Saturday and Sunday. The seed mailbox is currently turquoise."
The Thicket Food Park
7800 S 1st St
Austin, TX 78745
"If you volunteer at The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, the nursery of Houston Audubon's Edith L. Moore Sanctuary, or the Katie Prairie Conservancy, you can often get cuttings or seeds for free." (comment)
Oceana
Australia
Seedsavers Network "The Seed Savers’ Network is a not-for-profit organisation based in Australia to conserve, in culture, seeds of traditional varieties of plants for food and other uses. We favour varieties that are locally-adapted, hardy and dependent on neither synthetic fertilizers nor toxic chemicals, but rather home-made composts. We are home gardeners saving locally-adapted seeds of tomorrow’s food."
Maps
Europe
Ireland
Seed Sovereignty (Interactive Map) use this link to find seed swaps, libraries, seed banks and more throughout the UK including, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
UK
Seed Sovereignty (Interactive Map) use this link to find seed swaps, libraries, seed banks and more throughout the UK including, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Organizations
North America
USA
Native Seeds/SEARCH "seeks to find, protect and preserve the seeds of the people of the Greater Southwest so that these arid adapted crops may benefit all peoples and nourish a changing world."
Texas
Grants & Funding
North America
USA
Community Seed Grants (CSG) "are available once every year for school gardens and community organizations with regional and cultural connection to the NS/S seed collection. They are offered to garden projects working toward collective food security, seed sovereignty, traditional knowledge, education, and other efforts of community wellness. We do not require CSG recipients to save and return seeds, but encourage those who are able to do so, to provide seeds for their community.
Our region of focus is the Southwest, which generally includes: Arizona, New Mexico, southern Utah, southern Colorado, western Oklahoma, western Texas, southern California, southern Nevada, and northwest Mexico. Native communities in arid places outside of this region may also apply.
We strive to support projects in Mexico. Due to mailing restrictions it is best if you have someone in the US who can receive and bring the seeds to Mexico.
Seed Libraries are eligible to receive one pre-selected variety each year. More information about seed library grants can be found here."