Seed Library
Welcome!
The Geneva Seed Library is a project that provides free seeds and gardening knowledge for the Geneva community.
The purpose of our Seed Library, rooted in the spirit of sustainability, generosity, and community, is to encourage everyone to cultivate their own garden and experience the rich rewards of seed saving.
We offer a wealth of resources including beginner gardening and seed-saving books to help you nurture your green thumb and learn the rewarding art of gardening and seed saving. We also host an annual Seed Exchange in late winter, a wonderful opportunity to swap seeds and stories with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Where?
The Geneva Seed Library is located on the first floor of the library next to the DVDs.
How does it work?
- Borrow – Take what you need. There is no obligation to “return” seeds you’ve “checked out”!
- Write – We encourage you to write something about why you chose the seeds, a family tradition, a new-to-you plant – whatever the reason, we’d love to hear about it and share in the excitement!
- Grow – Plant at least 2-3 seeds for every plant that you would like to grow this season.
- Share – Contribute and swap seeds at our next Seed Exchange.
We have seeds that have been donated by organizations and individuals throughout our Finger Lakes community.
As you reap the fruits of your labor, we hope you’ll save and return some seeds to facilitate the cycle of sharing, Saving seeds is not necessary. We accept ALL packaged seeds.
Seed basics
Seeds should be kept in the dark and cool as much as possible! This keeps them viable for as long as possible.
Annuals are plants that live for one year or less; in that time, they grow, flower, produce seed, and die.
Biennials are plants that grow leaves the first year of life, and in the second year, they produce flowers, set seed, and die.
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and produce flowers and fruit every growing season.
Hardening off is to gradually introduce seedlings and plants that have been indoors to the bright light, stronger winds, and variable temperatures found outside.
Benefits of seed saving
- Builds biodiversity.
- Increases self-reliance.
- Develops seeds that are best suited to our relatively short, cold growing season.
- Saves money.
- Builds a network of community gardens and growers.
- Shares favorite plants with others.
- Become a steward of diversity.
- Be part of the Finger Lakes growing and seed saving community!