What is a Library Seed Exchange?
A library seed exchange is a free program which allows individuals in the community to “borrow” seeds from the library at the beginning of the growing season in the hopes that at the completion of the growing season, they will save seeds from their plants and return a portion to the library. This allows the library to distribute donated seeds the following growing season. In most cases, these donated seeds will grow better than store bought seeds since they are acclimated to our climate and soil.
What are the goals of Southborough’s Library Seed Exchange?
Who can participate in the Library Seed Exchange?
Individuals in the community can participate in our Library Seed Exchange. The program is geared for all ages and skill level.
What types of seeds are in the Library Seed Exchange?
The Library Seed Exchange includes both purchased and donated flower, vegetable and herb seeds.
List of 2025 seeds available from the Library Seed Exchange
While we try our best to ensure the quality of the seeds, we do accept and distribute seeds donated from community members who have varying degrees of seed saving skill. We do not knowingly accept or share seeds that are chemically treated, patented, or genetically modified. You may experience low germination rates or receive seeds that are not accurately labeled. If this happens, please let us know so that we can try to fix it for future users.
How does the Library Seed Exchange work?
Patrons are welcome to come into the library during opening hours and choose seed packets from our repurposed card catalogue on the main floor of the library in the Judy Williams Reading Room. We ask that you limit the amount you take to the amount you will grow and with respect to other participating patrons. After the growing season, we ask that patrons collect seeds and donate for distribution the following growing season.
How do I donate seeds for the next growing season?
In order to make our Library Seed Exchange self-sustaining, we gratefully accept your seed donations of herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Please include name of seed, color (if applicable), and other pertinent information on your seed donation envelope.
Southborough LibGuide: Saving Seeds: Click here.
What resources are available to help me have a successful growing season?
According to almanac.com, Southborough has a 145 day growing season. Our last spring frost is May 8 and our first fall frost is Oct. 1.
Online Reference Center:
While we have made our best effort to provide accurate growing instructions, there are many factors that affect your growing success. Use this information along with that found on available websites and in reference materials.
Book List: We encourage patrons to come in and browse our extensive gardening collection (found in the non-fiction 600’s section) and/or go into your library account and request books of interest that may not be included on the list.
Website, Book and Video Resources: Click here.
Gardening Kits: Our More than Books Collection includes Gardening Kits which patrons can borrow. Kits include: Soil pH Meter, Collapsible Canvas Stool w/ Tool Pockets; Stainless Steel Trowels; Stainless Steel Hand Rake; Clippers; Black Garden Gloves. These items cannot be placed on hold and must be picked up and returned upstairs at the Main Circulation Area.
The Library Seed Exchange is made possible with generous support from The Friends of the Southborough Library.
