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Willits Seed Library News As fall settles over Willits, our gardens shift from the high productivity of summer to a quieter, more reflective season. Though the days grow shorter and cooler, there is still plenty to harvest, prepare, and plan for. Here in our vibrant gardening community, we know that autumn isn’t the end—it’s simply the next phase in the growing cycle. In this issue, we’re sharing practical tips for fall garden care and seed saving—time-honored practices that help us make the most of the season and prepare for the year ahead. Whether you're gathering seeds, planting garlic, or putting your garden to bed, you are part of a larger network of gardeners in Willits who value sustainability, self-reliance, and the joy of growing. Fall Is Here Although the summer gardens have diminished, there is still much to do in the garden during the fall season. This is an ideal time to: - Collect any remaining seeds
- Plant cool-season crops such as greens and lettuce
- Remove spent annuals
- Plant onions and garlic
- Plant spring bulbs
- Use fallen leaves as mulch around perennials
- Move tender plants into the greenhouse
New Seeds! The Willits Branch staff work to maintain a thriving seed library for the community. This includes regularly updating the inventory as new seed donations are received and existing supplies dwindle. The staff carefully organizes and labels incoming seeds, making them readily available for local gardeners. View our complete seed inventory list here >> |
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Gathering of Seed Savers
Saturday, November 8, 11am - 2pm
Round Valley Branch Library!
23925 Howard Street #620, Covelo, CA
Come share your seeds, stories, and skills — or just lend a hand cleaning seed. Whether you're experienced or just curious, there's a place for you at the table. |
Seed Saving
As you gather seeds to save for the upcoming year, it is important to select open-pollinated or heirloom plants, as these will produce offspring true to the parent plant. Hybrid seeds, which result from the crossing of two or more varieties, typically do not produce seeds that resemble the parent plant. Additionally, be sure to collect seeds at the proper stage of maturity—this timing varies depending on the plant species. For further guidance on seed gathering and preservation, the following books are available for check-out: |
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 Willits Branch Seed Library Table at the Little Lake Grange |
On September 27th, 2025, a community harvest and seed gathering event was held in the Little Lake Grange parking lot in Willits. Branch Librarian, Denise Jessie represented the Seed Library with a display table of information and free seeds! Local gardener, Donna D'Terra gave a presentation in the Medicine Chest Garden, and explained, among other things, the health benefits of Yerba Buena. 
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What's Blooming?
This volunteer Stonecrop was a surprise! Stonecrop is a succulent commonly used in flowering borders. They are known for drought-hardiness and low maintenance. Its appearance in the library garden is a mystery to staff.
The Mimulus,  also known by its common name, Ivory White Monkeyflower, bloomed during October. Next time you visit the Willits Branch Library, have a look at the garden growing on the west side of the building! |
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Starting & Saving Seeds: Grow the Perfect Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs and Flowers for Your Garden
by Julie Thompson-Adolf
"In this book, you'll find the tools you need to become a seed starting and saving champion. Author and gardening expert Julie Thompson-Adolf walks you through every step of the journey, making the entire process a joy. You'll find hints to encourage stubborn seeds to germinate, lists of varieties to add to your garden, charts for quick growing reference, and simple DIY projects to aid your seed starting and saving adventure. (Learn how to make seed bombs and an indoor seed-starting station.) The extensive plant entries inside cover all the most popular vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Get started with tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and melons, or chamomile, cosmos, sweet peas, and poppies"
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The seed garden : the art and practice of seed saving
by Micaela Colley
Reveals the practice of seed saving, offering instructions on saving healthy seeds, explaining how plants produce seeds, and exploring the processes at work in cultivating plants for seed production
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