Holland library provides seed packets to help people get growing

As the days start to warm, gardeners everywhere are deciding what they will plant. Herrick District Library’s Seed Library is returning to help with that. This year, the library will distribute “grab-n-go” packets of seeds beginning on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

Both HDL Main and North Branch locations will have pre-made bags filled with seeds. Patrons will be able to choose from four categories: herbs, fruits/vegetables, greens, and flowers.

Each packet will have four to eight different varieties of seeds that span the growing season — from early spring to late fall.

The grab bags will give gardeners a chance to try something they hadn’t considered before. They are also encouraged to share seeds they don’t use with friends and neighbors, says Laura Grant, a library assistant with Herrick District Library.

Simplifying the process

HDL will give out about 1,000 grab-n-go bags. The library will also continue to accept seed donations at both locations.

“We’re trying to simplify the process,” North Branch Manager Rob Carpenter says. “We’ve done all that work for you.”

No checkout will be necessary for seeds this year. Patrons can request a seed packet inside either library or by calling from designated curbside parking spots.

Summer 2020 saw unprecedented numbers of people gardening, which has led to heirloom seed shortages in 2021. 

“There is, in general, an heirloom seed shortage. It’s hard to get seeds right now,” Carpenter says. “HDL is proud to provide our community with access to a variety of heirloom seeds and reliable information resources to help people get growing.”

Among the seeds will be bee heaven salvia flower mix, which attracts pollinators; dragon tongue bush bean, which has purple and green stripes; cornfield pumpkin; and Matt’s wild cherry tomato, a small but extremely hardy tomato that grows well in containers.

Gardening resources

Each year since its inception in 2018, the HDL Seed Library has given tens of thousands of seeds to a broad spectrum of gardeners — from master gardeners to newbies who had never grown their own food before.

There are hundreds of seed libraries, across the country and around the globe. The HDL seed library — housed in a converted card catalog — is one of the most successful of its kind in the state, Grant says.

The HDL Seed Library’s motto is “Cultivating community.” Patrons can visit Herrickdl.org/HDLseedlibrary for tips and directions, visit the library and check out
gardening books or find resources and place holds at herrickdl.bibliocommons.com.

The library’s April early literacy kit (for 0-5) will be “Watch Me Grow.” (Register beginning March 29 at herrickdl.org/events.) The kit will include a book and a planting or growing activity, depending on age.

Plans are in the works for a hands-on take-and-make seed library event later this summer.

Herrick District Library is located at 300 S. River Ave. Herrick North Branch is located at 155 Riley St. For details, visit herrickdl.org or call 616-738-4360