TPL Seed Library
- What is a seed library?
- A seed library is a free collection of seeds for all members of a community to have access to growing their own flowers and produce
- The mission of the TPL Seed Library is to support the local ecosystem, including pollinators, and to encourage lifelong learning through the pursuit of new hobbies, such as gardening
- We encourage everyone in our community to try gardening at home. Whether you are planting in a yard, using household items like pots or cups, or you are planting in a small sunny spot just outside your door, anyone can grow anywhere! We have the seeds and you have the ability, just let nature do the rest as your efforts support the ecosystem, pollinators, and provide you with fresh produce or flowers
- Who can use the seed library?
- The TPL Seed Library is free and open to everyone
- There is no cost for the seed packets
- No library card is required to take seed packets
- How do I use the seed library? There are three simple steps to follow to use the TPL Seed Library:
- Borrow: you can grab up to three packets per person, per visit of any available seed packets you'd like. The Seed Library is open during regular library operating hours on the 2nd floor near the paperback collection. Please stop by the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor for directions and assistance
- A list of seeds is available here. Please note that this list changes as the planting season goes on
- Grow: plant your selected seeds!
- Share: you are encouraged, but not required, to save seeds from what you grow and bring them back to the library to share with neighbors during the next season
- When returning seeds to the TPL Seed Library, empty seed envelopes and forms are provided for you to include as much information about the seeds you are donating as possible
- Please leave donated seed packets in the metal container located on the top of the Seed Library
- Library staff will sort and file your saved seeds to add them to the collection
- If you wish to donate commercially purchased seeds, we kindly request that the seeds be organic, heirloom, and/or native to Massachusetts. TPL will not accept chemically treated seeds as part of the Seed Library collection
- Questions about donating saved seeds? Email Nicole Goolishian at ngoolishian@tewksburypl.org or call 978-940-4490
- Borrow: you can grab up to three packets per person, per visit of any available seed packets you'd like. The Seed Library is open during regular library operating hours on the 2nd floor near the paperback collection. Please stop by the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor for directions and assistance
Learn more about seed saving, pollinators, native plants, and local gardening resources below!
What is seed saving?
- Seed saving is the act of saving seeds from grown plants to use during a future growing season.
- Though not required when borrowing seeds from the TPL Seed Library, we encourage you to test out seed saving methods on your plants and then return seeds to the library. Learn more about how to save seeds below:
Native, or indigenous, plants are adapted to the climate, light, and soil conditions that characterize their ecosystem. In our case, this is the ecosystem of northeastern Massachusetts. Native plants are low maintenance as they are meant to grow in our environment. Stay tuned as native plant species are added to the TPL Seed Library.
These stamps will be on seed packets of pollinator-friendly varieties, whether a plant is suited towards butterflies, bees, or both!
Learn more about native and pollinator-friendly plants below:
- Grow Native Massachusetts: What are Native Plants?
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Massachusetts Recommended Plants
- Mahoney's Garden Center: Make Way for Pollinators in Your Garden
- Mass Audubon
- Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation: Grow Wild Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation: Choosing Pollinator Friendly Plants Native Plants
- Massachusetts Pollinator Network
- Massachusetts Pollinator Network: Create & Manage Pollinator Habitats
- National Audubon Society: Bird Friendly Plants FAQ
- Native Plant Guide
- Native Plant Trust: Plant Finder Database
- Pollinator Pathways: Massachusetts
- United States Department of Agriculture: Plants Database
- Wild Seed Project
Learn more about getting started with gardening here:
- Gardening booklist by TPL
- Local gardening resources compiled by TPL
- Plant Something by the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association: Benefits of Gardening
- University of Massachusetts Amherst: Identifying Weeds & Invasive Plants
Did you know TPL is home to its very own organic and self-sustaining Community Garden? With new paved pathways that lead directly to the Garden from the library's parking lot, it is now easier than ever to visit and see what Garden volunteers are growing this season. To learn more about the Community Garden, and how you can volunteer, click here.
Thank you to the following businesses for generously providing seeds to stock the TPL Seed Library in 2024:
