Growing Together: The Seed Library Returns March 2

Pictured left: Alexandra's mom, Maria R., shows off the dill they grew from seed. Right: Amelia B. cares for the family's hot pepper plant.

After opening last year, around 2,000 visitors took approximately 13,000 seed packets from 95 different varieties to plant in their gardens. The most popular seeds were zinnia, marigold, cayenne pepper, basil, and several varieties of milkweed. Around 3,600 native seeds packets from 28 varieties were distributed. Library patron Alexandra B. took her seeds, and created opportunities for connection as she grew and nurtured a garden together with her mother and daughters.

"Our family benefitted tremendously from the Seed Library," Alexandra said. "We were able to grow vegetables and herbs, educate the girls about gardening, and get them excited enough to try new foods (a huge success in its own right). It has been amazing to see, and we are hoping for even greater success this summer."

Alexandra and her family grew dill, eggplant, spicy peppers, and cucumbers from Seed Library seeds. The most popular seed requests were for okra, more hot peppers, and more tomatoes. All these and more will be available to pick up when the Seed Library returns on Monday, March 2.

"[The Seed Library] not only allows you to be part of a larger community, but–just as a great library does–it educates our family," said Alexandra. "The gardening books available at the library make it possible to learn about a specific topic, then immediately put that knowledge into practice by checking out seeds and growing them ourselves."

The Seed Library is a great way to try new plants without a financial commitment. Borrow seeds, cultivate them into beautiful gardens, and return some of your seeds at the end of the season (optional) to keep the library sustainable.

Learn more about the Seed Library, and see what seeds are available at VAPLD.info/SeedLibrary.

Want to grow your own garden this year? This program provides some guidance:
Starting a Garden from Seed
Wednesday, March 4, 7–8 pm | Sign up
Discover the secrets to successful seed starting and how to grow strong, healthy seedlings ready for your garden with garden coach Amy Powers.