Seed Library
The Seed Library is offered May through September at the Miller Branch. Customers may pick up seeds at the Ask a Master Gardener table in the library lobby and receive expert gardening advice all in one visit. Call or check our Calendar for available dates/times.
Gardeners “borrow” seeds from the library at planting time, and 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 Seed Library. Gardeners can also donate leftover seeds from store-bought packets.
For inquiries, contact: seeds@hclibrary.org
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
