By Scout Nelson
Winter may cover Minnesota gardens with snow, but many residents are already planning for spring. Along with home gardeners, Master Gardener volunteers are preparing seed libraries across the state. These libraries make gardening easier and more affordable for everyone.
Seed libraries are usually located inside public libraries. They provide free vegetables, flowers, and native plant seeds to community members. Volunteers carefully divide donated seed packets into smaller envelopes and label them with simple planting instructions. The goal is to make gardening possible for anyone interested in growing plants.
A new seed library will open in Stevens County this spring. The volunteer leading the project says it requires time and teamwork. He explains that the effort is guided by “a vision of making gardening available to anyone who has access to sunlight.” The grand opening is planned for March.
Seed libraries solve several common problems gardeners face. Many store-bought seed packets contain more seeds than household needs. Libraries help reduce waste by sharing leftover seeds from previous seasons that are still suitable for planting. In one Minnesota county, about 1,000 to 1,500 seed packages are distributed each year.
Access to correct information is also important. Gardening advice online is not always accurate. Master Gardener volunteers are trained by the University of Minnesota Extension and provide science-based guidance. They offer classes on seed starting, container gardening, and seed saving. Information is available in English and Spanish to reach more families.
Native plant seeds are in high demand. In Dakota County, volunteers collect and package seeds from plants grown in local parks. One group prepared 800 seed packets from 62 varieties. Their aim is to promote plants that naturally grow well in Minnesota. As one volunteer shares, the focus is on growing “things that would be here normally if we weren’t here.”
Another seed library is opening in South St. Paul to support a child nutrition program. One volunteer explains, “We’re not going to end hunger, but if I get one kid to plant one vegetable and realize that that lettuce doesn’t taste like the lettuce at the grocery store, maybe they grow up loving lettuce a little more.”
Through free seeds and trusted guidance, Minnesota seed libraries continue to strengthen communities and inspire future gardeners.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-johnbraid
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Education, Weather