Seed Library

Libraries are vital places in our community that offer much more than books! Seed Libraries are sprouting up in local libraries, thanks to an initiative of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County Master Gardener Volunteers.

A seed library is a community-based resource for sharing seeds. Like a regular library, gardeners "borrow" seeds from a seed library at planting time. At the end of the growing season, they save the seeds from their plants and return a portion of the seeds to the library.

In collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Putnam County, five libraries—Brewster, Patterson, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, and Reed Memorial—will offer seed libraries this growing season. The aim is to spread awareness of heirloom and open-pollinated plant varieties while offering an opportunity for residents to grow their own food. “If you can find a little space, you can try your hand at growing a pot of herbs or starting a vegetable patch. Our volunteers have provided the seeds,” says Jen Lerner, of CCE Putnam.

Some libraries will even offer coordinated garden programming. Need more help? A dedicated resource page on the CCE Putnam website will guide you towards growing hints and educational fact sheets to help you on your gardening journey. Master Gardener Volunteers are also available to help you 9:00 AM to Noon weekdays on the Horticulture Hotline (845) 278-6738 or via mastergardener.putnam@gmail.com

Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers raise funds to support community projects like this by hosting an annual plant sale, this year on May 11th at Veterans Park on Gypsy Trail Road