Seed Library
The Howard County Seed Library provides free seeds to allow everyone to build their own garden. Participates can pick up seeds and learn about gardening from the Howard County Master Gardeners all in one visit.
The Seed Library is available during Ask a Master Gardener tabling sessions in the lobby of the Miller Branch every Monday evening and Saturday morning (see calendar here).
So how does a seed library work? Gardeners “borrow” seeds from the library at planting time. 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 library. Gardeners can also donate leftover seeds from store-bought packets.
How to Support
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.
For more information, contact us at [email protected]
Tips for packaging seeds:
- 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!
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant #1593.
Part 1: Introduction: https://youtube.com/shorts/lEd-aIv3xt0
Part 2: Collecting: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Tx2XrIITGQ0
Part 3: Stratification: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P7TM0G0J1V0
- A list of invasive plants in Maryland can be found here: https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Documents/List_target_spp_for_assessment_27Feb2023.pdf
- A helpful guide for identification: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Documents/Invasive_plants_cards.pdf
- What can I do about an invasive species?: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/invasive-plants-avoid-buying-your-yard-and-garden-maryland
Library Resources:
https://polaris.hclibrary.org/polaris/view.aspx?brs=91711&sort=AU_PD
Videos:
- Seed Saving: Veggies: https://youtu.be/NVKAdccdPl0
- Seed Saving: Native Plants: https://youtu.be/dVEsoq9d78U
- Saving and Storing Seeds for Next Year: https://extension.usu.edu/video/saving-and-storing-seeds-for-next-year
Articles/Presentations:
- Seed Saving 101: Vegetables: https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/2021-02/Seed%20Saving%20Veggies%20Resources.pdf
- Seed Saving Basics: https://extension.psu.edu/seed-saving-basics
- How to Collect and Store Seeds: https://www.wildflower.org/learn/collect-store-seeds
- https://extension.umd.edu/resource/invasive-plants-avoid-buying-your-yard-and-garden-maryland
Seed Share event
The Howard County Seed Share is a free annual community event, open to all ages and experience levels. Participates can exchange plant seeds and learn about gardening.
The next Seed Share will be held on Saturday, January 25th, 2025. Check back later for an event listing and more details!
Bringing seeds is not required to participate in this event. All ages and experience levels are welcome, from those who have never gardened but would like to those who have grown flowers and veggies for years. Families welcome (children must be accompanied).
Events typically include:
- Backyard Composting Workshop
- Winter Seed Sowing Demonstration
- Children’s activities
- Ask-a-Master Gardener
- Bay-Wise sustainable gardening information
The Seed Share is in partnership with: University of Maryland Extension – Master Gardeners, Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services, Community Ecology Institute @ Freetown Farm, Watershed Stewards Academy of Howard County, Yards Alive!
