By L.E.Phillips Memorial Public Library Staff
The Eau Claire Grows Community Seed Library reopened for the 2016 growing season with an open-house kickoff event on Apr. 9 at the L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, where seed packets will be available at the Information and Reference desk throughout the growing season.
The seed library, launched in 2015, allows residents to “borrow” seeds and replace them with new ones at the end of the growing season. It began by offering seeds that are fun as well as easy to grow and save for beginner seed savers.
This year, the library will also offer cucumber and carrot seeds, which require more advanced seed-saving techniques.
The following seeds will be available this year:
• Arugula
• Basil • Beans • Carrots • Chives • Cilantro • Cucumbers |
• Lettuce
• Morning Glories • Peas • Peppers • Spinach • Sunflowers • Tomatoes
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The basic concept is to plant the seeds, let some plants go to seed, harvest the rest and then return a portion of the next-generation seeds for others to borrow. While returning seeds at the end of the growing season is highly encouraged, it is not required.
“We only had a handful of seed packets returned last year,” said programming librarian Isa Small, “but over 200 households checked out nearly 1,300 packets of seeds. That is a lot of locally grown, nutritious food being put on the table, so we consider it a success.”
Community members may borrow one packet of each variety per household. While a library card is not required to borrow seeds, Small said, “We hope folks will use their library card to check out our great selection of books and e-books on garden planning and seed saving, as well as vegetable cookbooks.”
The Community Seed Library program is funded in part by a donation from Mayo Clinic Health System.
For thousands of years, people have cultivated gardens, enjoying the fruits of their labor. Until recent times, saving the previous year’s seeds to plant the next crop was an essential part of the process. Today, many people are enjoying the return of the seed saving tradition.
While borrowing from the seed library is free, the contribution to the community is priceless, Small said. Gardening allows citizens to become more self-sufficient, eat more nutritious food, and save money — all while helping fellow gardeners in the community.
Further information is available at the Information and Reference desk at the library, by calling 715-839-5004, or by e-mail to librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.