Did you know that some of our branches offer Seed Libraries?
Yes, you heard right!
Not only can patrons borrow books, but they can also participate in the growing, saving and sharing of seeds to encourage the production and joy of home-grown food.
A seed library provides a place where community members can exchange seeds. Seed libraries help to promote sustainable gardening practices by supporting the local community to save seeds and grow their own food.
At YPRL we have Seed Libraries at Diamond Valley, Eltham, Ivanhoe, Lalor, Mill Park, Thomastown and Watsonia library branches.
Participation is free and you can withdraw or deposit seeds from any of the libraries you are visiting!
How Seed Libraries Work:
You can take seeds from one or more libraries and when you have some to share, you can deposit them back to any of the libraries.
The seed library operates under the concept of fair share and giving back.
Take the seeds that you need and once your plants have grown, you can collect some seeds from your own harvest and return them to the seed library network for someone else to grow.
Seed Envelopes:
We encourage the use of recycled materials for seed envelopes with many of the seed libraries using unwanted books to make the envelopes.
You may also want to initially place your saved seeds into small plastic zip lock bags, to keep the seeds together and help control / eliminate moisture.
Seed Envelopes:
Please ensure you provide the following information on the packet.
Plant name: e.g. Blue Lake Climbing beans
Date harvested: e.g. January 2024
When to sow: e.g. Nov - Jan
Notes: e.g. Grow very tall (approx. 2m) so needs a trellis
Discover more information about seed saving through the following resources held in our libraries:
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Seed Saving by Caleb Warnock
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The Garden Seed Saving Guide: Easy heirloom seeds for the home gardener by Jill Henderson
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Eat What You Grow: how to have an undemanding edible garden that is both beautiful and productive by Alys Fowler
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Vegetables: the sustainable guide to growing planet-friendly crops by Sally Nex
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Thrifty Gardening: Money-saving Tips and Know-how for a Flourishing Garden by The Country Women's Association of Victoria (also available as an eBook).
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Heirloom Vegetable Gardening: a master gardener's guide to planting, seed saving, and cultural history by William Woys Weaver