Green Venture’s Hamilton Seed Library has expanded even further! This blog post will give you the latest updates on how to use the seed library, new locations and how you can contribute.
What is a Seed Library?
A seed library is a community resource for sharing seeds, just like a traditional library does so for books. Seed libraries build biodiversity and community where we rely on each other to grow. Lenders take seeds to plant in their own gardens, then in harvest season bring new seeds to keep the library going.
Our seed library is free and requires no membership. There are no limits on what you can take, but we ask that you limit yourself to what you will use this season so others can save seeds. We ask all borrowers to save and return seeds at the end of the season, but nobody will be penalized for unsuccessful seed saving. If you’d like more information or advice for seed saving, don’t hesitate to contact Green Venture.
We greatly appreciate donations of open-pollinated, organic, or heirloom seeds. If you have a seed donation, you can drop it off at EcoHouse or arrange to have it picked up by emailing us at [email protected].
Where Can I Find Seeds?
Seeds are currently available at EcoHouse, and several HPL locations:
Green Venture - EcoHouse
22 Veevers Drive
- Outdoor Library: Accessible at any time and restocked periodically
- Indoor Library: For a greater variety of seeds, book an appointment with Green Venture or stop by our open hours on Fridays from 10:00 am-3:00 pm.
Hamilton Public Library Branches:
- Ancaster (300 Wilson Street East)
- Barton (571 Barton Street East)
- Binbrook (2641 Hamilton Regional Rd 56)
- Central (55 York Blvd)
- Dundas (18 Ogilvie St)
- Freelton (1803 Brock Rd)
- Parkdale (256 Parkdale Ave N)
- Red Hill (695 Queenston Rd)
- Saltfleet (131 Gray Rd)
- Stoney Creek (777 Highway 8)
- Terryberry (100 Mohawk Rd W)
- Turner Park (352 Rymal Rd E)
- Valley Park (970 Paramount Dr)
- Westdale (955 King St W)
- West Harbour (77 Harbourside Wy)
Basics on Saving Seeds:
- Choose what species you wish to save seeds from, and make sure it is an open-pollinated variety.
- Collect the seeds when ripe. Choose the healthiest-looking plant from the bunch.
- Clean the seeds. Remove all plant material which is not seeds (pulp, leaves, flowers).
- Store the dry seeds. Place them in an envelope or container, label them, and store them in a cool dry place.
Image (left): New Seed Library at the West Harbour Library Branch
Image (right): Indoor seed library at EcoHouse
The Hamilton Seed Library is a free initiative for all to borrow from! However, there are costs associated with maintaining the program and ensuring seeds remain available. If you are enjoying your seeds, please DONATE to keep the program going.
Donate here or via e-transfer to [email protected]
