The mission of the Seed Library is to encourage community members to grow their own food and gardens. Through access to free seeds and educational programs, the seed library project aims to guide participants in garden care, provide ongoing resources, information, and support.
- Seeds are available for FREE!
- Rhode Island library card holders may take up to 10 seed envelopes per visit. Non-cardholders may take up to 5 envelopes.
- Members are encouraged to save seeds and contribute back to the seed library to help ensure the project is self-sustaining. We also accept donations of new or opened non-GMO seed packets.
Seed Library
- First-time users fill out a brief Membership Form and return it to the Reference Desk.
- Choose your seeds. Take a small amount (2-3 seeds for each plant you want to grow, or a small pinch of tiny seeds), and place them in a small seed envelope.
- Take a photo or copy the information from the seed packet onto the front of the envelope, including seed name, type, year, days to maturity, and growing notes.
- Grow your plants! Read further for additional resources on planting and saving seeds, as well as recordings of past presentations to help guide you.
- Try your hand at saving seeds. Saved seeds may be returned to the library in a sealed paper envelope with your name and the plant name, variety, and year of harvest.
Plant Cutting Library
- Available year-round, though the offerings fluctuate.
- We accept donations of rooted cuttings, but not large plants or potted plants.
- Donated cuttings keep the plant cutting library going, but you do not need to donate in order to take a cutting.
- Fill out the log with plant name and care instructions, if known.
- Choose a cutting to take home with you! Plastic bags and damp towels are available for transporting.
Resources
YouTube
Watch recordings of recent presentations about seed starting, seed saving, composting and more:
Ocean State Libraries Catalog
Search for, and place holds on, books and other materials related to gardening.
URI Master Gardeners
View the RI Planting Calendar, webinar recordings, and a variety of resource guides.
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