Good to grow: Longmont Free Seed Library returns to help get those gardens going

Longmonters looking to get a jumpstart on their summer gardens can once again turn to the Longmont Public Library.

After a 2020 hiatus, the Longmont Free Seed Library is back, making free seeds available to community members. 

The seed library was created in 2019 by librarian Amy Fontenot, an avid gardener with connections to some seed companies.   

“(Fontenot) really wanted to encourage families to do this as a family project, an opportunity not only to spend time together, but to have children of all ages learn about different kinds of home gardens and growing your own food,” said Teresa Myers, marketing and communications manager at the library.

Fontenot not only wanted to teach people the financial value of growing their own food but also the value of being able to consume fruits and vegetables they grew in their own gardens, Myers said. 

Denise Young, the librarian organizing this year’s seed library, said it “started with an old set of library card catalog cabinets which, it turns out, has drawers that are the perfect size for organizing seed packets.”

People could peruse the seeds and log them out, similar to a library book, only they didn’t need to be returned. The library keeps a log of which seeds are most popular and need to be restocked. 

Initially, people were allowed to take 12 seed packets, but after the library realized the popularity of the idea, it reduced the limit to six packets per household to ensure there were enough seeds to go around.

After a year of learning to acclimate during the pandemic, the library has decided to take a virtual approach to this year’s seed library. Patrons can request seeds by filling out a form on the Free Seed Library’s webpage or by calling the library’s reference desk during business hours and requesting the exact seeds they want. 

Seeds can then be picked up using the library’s curbside delivery service. 

Seeds are mainly provided by the Friends of the Longmont Library, but also are donated by local companies and patrons.

Donated seeds must be in sealed, commercial packets. The library cannot accept marijuana or tobacco seeds. Seeds can be dropped off in the decorated box outside of the library.  

The most-needed seeds are peas, cucumbers, melons, herbs, sweet peppers and flowers, Young said.

Even though the information page states the seeds are from past growing seasons and “cannot be guaranteed to be 100% viable,” Myers said the library is a good way to start a garden for free. 

The library also has a list of fiction and non-fiction reading recommendations for adults and kids to help people learn the value of gardening and tips on being successful.

People looking to glean more gardening tips on March 18 can attend a free virtual talk with Boulder County master gardeners from the Colorado State University Extension. Registration is available here. 

Gardening is an educational experience, Myers said.

“When you make a salad and it's your tomatoes and your lettuce, that is the kind of education and quality time that a garden affords and the feeling of accomplishment,” she said.