The Central Arkansas Library System wants you to “check out” their Seed Library, as a part of their commitment to increase the ability to feed ourselves and others wholesome food by offering seeds and education.
The Seed Library is a collection of different fruit, vegetable, herb and flower seeds that members can “check out” to start their very own gardens. Members can check out up to five different seeds at a time, and all members are encouraged to learn basic seed-saving techniques, beginning with seeds from lettuce, tomato, bean or pea plants the first year.
Vanessa Scroggins runs the Seed Library and keeps up with people’s information, maintains the stock of their seeds and will organize future community events.
The idea for the Seed Library was modeled after the Richmond Seed Library back in June.
“I hope it brings us together,” Scroggins said. “When you raise your own plants, in our climate, your plants become more adapted to our climate. I also hope this might be able to help with food insecurity.”
The initial stock of the Seed Library was supplied by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Ann Green with Healing Waters. Members must be able to replace any seeds they borrow by growing plants, harvesting the seeds and returning those to the library. If you are unable to do so, a package of heirloom and non-GMO seeds is requested as a replacement.
“I don’t want people to be intimidated by it, i just want people to be uplifted by it.”
The Seed Library is available at the Sidney S. McMath Library on John Barrow Road in Little Rock. Participants are required to complete the Seed Library member information form and maintain a log of the seeds that are checked out and returned. Participation is free.
Not sure where to start? The UA Division of Agriculture has a full-year calendar advising what you should plant and when.