PFPL Seed Library

Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Phillipsburg Free Public Library, we are proud to introduce the Seed Library @ PFPL! Our seed library offers a variety of vegetable and herb seeds that cardholders can “check out” to grow their own food at home! This exciting new addition to our “Library of Things” is open to beginners and experienced gardeners alike.


How It Works

Seeds may be checked out by any library cardholder in good standing.

Cardholders should only check out one packet per seed variety.

Cardholders not bringing seeds to exchange may check out up to a total of 5 seed packets. Cardholders bringing in seeds to exchange may check out additional seed packets on a 1-for-1 basis.

Patrons may exchange saved seeds, or they may bring in the unused portion of commercial seed in its original packaging. (Heirloom/open-pollinated varieties are preferred, but we will accept hybrid seeds in their original packaging) Saved seeds should be labeled with the variety, location they were grown, and date harvested.

Edible crops should only be planted in soil that has been tested for heavy metals; we recommend using raised beds or containers with clean compost or soil.

Because our goal is for this seed library to be self-sustaining, we request that patrons who check out a seed packet save seeds from each plant to return to the library by the end of the calendar year in which the seeds were harvested. Patrons who are unable to return saved seeds may return commercial seed in its original packaging.


Helpful Hints

Our collection is color-coded:

  • Green indicates easy-to-save seeds that are best for beginners. These plants are self-pollinating and have an annual life cycle, producing seeds in their first year.
  • Orange indicates seeds with an annual life cycle that may still be suitable for beginners, but are out-breeding plants that require larger isolation distances or hand-pollination to avoid cross-pollination with other varieties. Avoid simultaneously growing varieties that can cross-pollinate with one another if you are saving seeds.
  • Red indicates seeds are out-breeding and have a biennial life cycle – these plants do not produce seeds until their second year.

Save seeds from your healthiest crop.


Resources

SeedSavers Gardening & Seed Saving Guides

New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station

The Seed Ambassadors Project

Vegetable Spacing Guide (How Stuff Works)

Companion Planting Chart (The Old Farmer’s Almanac)