Just learned my local library has a free seed bank

I was at the Westbrook Public Library last Tuesday picking up a hold and noticed this little cabinet near the checkout desk. Turns out they let you take up to 10 free seed packets per visit, and you can bring back seeds from your own plants if you want. No library card even needed for it. Has anyone else found random free hobby stuff hiding at their local library?

2 comments

2 Comments

phoenixh741mo agoTop Commenter

Oh man, I'm gonna be the grumpy one here but I don't get the hype. Those seed banks sound nice but people don't think about the downsides. The seeds they give out are usually just basic stuff like beans and tomatoes that struggle in our local soil unless you baby them. I tried it once and got three plants out of ten packets, everything else just rotted or never sprouted. Plus if you bring back your own seeds there's a real risk of spreading plant diseases or pests to other people's gardens. I'd rather just buy from a local nursery where you know what you're getting.

sethanderson1mo ago

Germinate those seeds in a damp paper towel first before planting. Saves you the disappointment of dumping them straight in the ground and wondering why nothing happens.