How does the seed library work?
Come to the Beeton Seed Library and borrow seeds for free! How can you ‘borrow’ seeds? The basic idea is that you plant the seeds, let some go to seed, then return some of these next generation seeds for others to borrow. You become a member automatically when you withdraw seeds to plant.
The Beeton Seed Library is a non-profit seed-lending library located in the D.A. Jones Branch Library. We’re open whenever the public library is open. You do not need to have a New Tecumseth Public Library card to use the seed library. We will be providing workshops on seed saving and gardening, and of course, you can also borrow books from the public library on these topics. We encourage all members to learn basic seed-saving techniques. We encourage that beginning seed savers grow out and return seeds from lettuce, tomato, bean or pea plants the first year.
Our Mission:
To contribute to and support community gardening, foster self-reliance and promote healthy eating while educating the community about sustainable gardening and seed-sharing. The Beeton Seed Library celebrates biodiversity through the time-honoured tradition of seed saving, nurtures locally-adapted plant varieties, and fosters a culture of sharing by being an accessible and free source of plant seeds, supplied and cultivated by and for community residents.
Why Save Seeds?
Humans have been saving seeds for over 12 000 years; however, much of that knowledge has been lost over the last hundred years, along with significant biodiversity. When you grow and save your own seeds, you:
- Develop your gardening skills
- Promote healthy eating
- Save money
- Increase your self-reliance
- Preserve biodiversity
- Help protect and preserve pollinators
- Learn and share with your community
How to Borrow Seeds
- Visit the Beeton Seed Library located in the D.A. Jones Branch Library.
- Browse the collection for what you want to grow this season. The seed packs are arranged alphabetically and by type.
- Select the seeds you would like to borrow, and fill out a page in the membership binder.
How to Return Seeds
- After the growing season is done, harvest some seeds from the plants you grew.
- Place seeds from each plant in its own envelope or bag and label it (envelopes for this purpose can be found at the seed library).
- Drop your seeds off at the Beeton Seed Library and your seeds will be added into the collection for sharing in the community.
Donate Seeds
If you are unable to save your own seed, please consider donating a packet or two of seed to keep our library stocked. We prioritize clean, mature seeds that *to the best of your knowledge* are organic and open-pollinated.
Beeton Seed Library location and hours:
D.A. Jones Branch Library
42 Main Street West
Beeton, ON L0G 1A0
(905) 729-3726
Tuesday 10 am – 8 pm
Wednesday 10 am – 8 pm
Thursday 10 am – 8 pm
Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
Sun/Mon Closed
When you participate in the Beeton Seed Library, you help create a culture of sharing and abundance within the community. The more seeds in the library, the more members of our community can experience the pleasures of growing their own food. Thank you for your support!
Official Launch Event:
Saturday, June 10th @ 3 pm
Join us for the grand opening of the Beeton Seed Library! Enjoy cake and light refreshments, choose from over 50 seed varieties, and learn some valuable seed-saving tips. All welcome!
