Seed Library
How the seed library works
Gardeners “borrow” seeds from the library at planting time. At the end of the growing season, they are encouraged to save seeds from the plants and return a portion of the seeds to the library. Gardeners can also donate leftover seeds from store-bought packets.
How to Support
This Seed Library is entirely supported by community donations of seeds! Taking part in the Seed Library is a way to have fun, build community with fellow gardeners, and support people who are new to the world of gardening.
If you would like to share seeds, donations are accepted while the Seed Library is open or at the front desk anytime at either location:
Miller Branch: 9421 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City
Elkridge Branch: 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge
Store-bought seeds are welcome. Please make sure the seed packet is securely taped closed. If you are harvesting your own seeds, see tips below.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant #1593.
New to Seed Harvesting?
This Seed Library is entirely supported by community donations of seeds! Taking part in the Seed Library is a way to have fun, build community with fellow gardeners, and support people who are new to the world of gardening.
If you would like to share seeds, donations are accepted while the Seed Library is open or at the front desk anytime at either location:
- Miller Branch (9421 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City)
- Elkridge Branch (6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge)
Store-bought seeds are welcome. Please make sure the seed packet is securely taped closed. If you are harvesting your own seeds, see tips below.
- Seeds should be clean, dry, and labeled with the name of the plant (species and variety) and date collected. No seeds from invasive plants!
- Please include any other useful information that you can think of for the grower
- Seeds do best in paper envelopes or bags to help them stay dry (seed envelopes will be available to share bulk seeds)
New to seed harvesting? We encourage gardeners to save quality seeds that are suitable for our local growing area. These short videos give an overview of the how-to’s, and more information is available in the resource section below!
Library Resources
Videos
Articles/Presentations