Start a Seed Library - PEP BB community.straw.startseedlib

Is there a minimum number of seeds per packet?

Yooo I am a librarian by trade (15 years in the biz) and allow me to throw out this factotum: many public libraries can get stuff for free when they ask nicely. If you partner with your local permies, (and as referenced in a couple of those links public libraries are often enthusiastic about seed sharing,) you could save yourself a ton of money on seed packets going forward.

Also a note: within the profession, event programming is widely recognized as a big part of the future. Many a librarian spends their day scouring the web for free presenters. Check with your municipality's public library, no matter how big or small. They might like to host some permaculture classes.

+1 @Andy!

Also a note: within the profession, event programming is widely recognized as a big part of the future. Many a librarian spends their day scouring the web for free presenters. Check with your municipality's public library, no matter how big or small. They might like to host some permaculture classes.

I've given two talks at my local library, both about seed saving. The reception was very warm and welcoming -- super fun to meet lots of interested gardeners!  The library also has a seed library, hosts seed swaps, and even has seed starting pots to borrow.  I highly recommend getting involved with the library!

PEP Community - Straw - Start a Seed Library

Seed Share:
The first down-and-dirty iteration of the seed share was a plastic tote and zippie bags. Too much plastic but there were plenty of visitors.

The second iteration is up and filled.  It's an upcycled kitchen cabinet with a savaged metal roof, both donated. I sealed the wood inside and out with coconut oil, then added the door and metal roof. It is mounted on a T-Post at the end of the driveway, near the fence.  The pink tote is now for donations.

The seeds are a mix of organic commercial and locally harvested. I filled the cabinet with 12qty of 12 varieties in small coin envelopes.  Each paper packet includes just enough seeds for a typical urban family garden. The backstock stays in a cooler to stabilize temperature. I'll continue to pack more envelopes to refill when it is not so hot and smoky.

This wonderful project has taken me a lot of time and labors of love. Its a true culmination of many of the skills I have gained during my SkIP journey.

I saved seeds from my own garden and several others around town. There are 12 packets of at least 12 seeds of these edible garden plants:
Tomatoes,
Lambsquarters,
Radish,
Red dent corn,
Scarlett runner beans,
Lentils,
Peas,
Parsnips,
Green lettuce,
Asparagus,
Leeks,
Garlic. (12 varieties)

But there's many more plants in a garden than 12 veggies! I also have packets for:
All the seed I am sharing:
Red orach, Garden huckleberry, River grapes, Honeycrisp apples, Winter squashes, Banana squash, Cherokee pumpkin, Spaghetti squash, Sweet corn, Chives, Carrots, Strawberry habañero, Red banana peppers, Calendula, Dill, Parsley, Elecampagne, Lavender, Marshmallow, Parsley, Thyme, Sage, Yarrow, Amaranth, Flax, Holly hock, Marigold,  Milkweed, Snap dragons, Sunflower, Penstemmon, Poppy, Vetch, Yellow clover (34 more!)

I started asking around to find a place to store the seeds with public access. The local public library, The Littlewood Library, found a place for me, under a potted plant along a wall. I needed to make the container for my seed fit the space.

I used new wood, Douglass fir 1x2s to build the frame and 1x4s to make the siding. I used rabets to join the slats of siding, which I cut with a simple table saw. I fastebed everythingbwith wood screws and 3/4inch brad nails. Some scraps of redwood 2x4s and 2x8 lumber which have been sitting around became the baskets for the cabinet.

I finished the cabinet with linseed oil and burned designs on the fronts of each cabinet. Along with the seeds/cabinet, I also made little cards for signage and provided a little log for checkouts. I knew a plant would need to sit atop my cabinet, so I planned for small and simple info handouts.

So far, 9 people have checked out seeds.

Oh my gosh! You're right. I didn't notice Cherish checked seeds out twice! Well, since the last 3 weeks, two more people have checked out seeds. There's a big library craft party tomorrow, too, and there may be even more seeds checked out tomorrow.  Ill add more pictures if that happens. Its not really the season for garden planning. February will probably wipe the library out 😁

I also got feedback that its hard to see all 12 packets in some of my pictures. I'm adding another post, since I've nearly reached the media limit on the last post.