Massachusetts List of Seed Libraries

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About this facility

Mission

Tower Hill Botanic Garden Library’s Seed Library collection provides seeds to Tower Hill members to encourage and enable people to begin gardening; to promote awareness of the importance of seed saving; to preserve organic and heirloom varieties of plants; and to create positive experiences with plants. The Seed Library collection focuses on vegetable seeds, and works to provide solely seeds that are not treated with pesticides, with an emphasis on locally-native, organic, and/or heirloom seeds. However, the Seed Library collection may contain any type of garden seeds as long as they are appropriately labeled and cleaned. Seeds from the Seed Library Collection check out for one growing season. We request you save seeds from your plants and return them for others' use the next year--but if you aren't able to return seeds, that's all right too. The list of seeds is currently only available on-site in the Library. To check seeds out at Tower Hill, you must be a THBG Member or part of a group that is an organizational member of THBG. If you don't fall into one of these two categories, please see the list of Other Area Seed Libraries below for more options!
What is a seed library?
Each seed library has different rules and guidelines. But typically a library member can look through an assortment of seed packets, select the varieties they like, and take them home to plant. Some seed libraries ask that you collect the seeds your plant produces to return to the seed library for others to “borrow.”
Why would you go to a seed library?
Seed libraries are helpful for several reasons: If you’re on a budget, it’s a free option. If you only need a few seeds – instead of a large packet filled with extras that will just go to waste. If you’re looking for varieties that are new to you, it’s a great place to browse. If you’re interested in connecting with other gardeners in your community. If you’d like to contribute to the sustainability of your region’s biodiversity.

Service

Temporary

Notes