Native Seed Libraries
Why Start a Native Seed Library?
Healthy ecosystems throughout history have relied on interactions between native flora and fauna. Relatively recent anthropogenic introductions of non-native species into communities however can limit biodiversity preservation. Native plants are adapted to their bioregion, meaning that beyond biodiversity benefits, they also provide economic benefits to the propagation of these communities, as they require less irrigation and human interaction to grow and sustain. In a healthily balanced ecosystem, the need for pesticides and fertilizers is also reduced which allows for a reduced chemical load in human water and food systems. Native plants can also attract specific animals that may be desirable, commonly you may hear about people creating “native butterfly gardens” to attract butterflies.
There are some special considerations when starting a Native Seed Library though.
Healthy ecosystems throughout history have relied on interactions between native flora and fauna. Relatively recent anthropogenic introductions of non-native species into communities however can limit biodiversity preservation. Native plants are adapted to their bioregion, meaning that beyond biodiversity benefits, they also provide economic benefits to the propagation of these communities, as they require less irrigation and human interaction to grow and sustain. In a healthily balanced ecosystem, the need for pesticides and fertilizers is also reduced which allows for a reduced chemical load in human water and food systems. Native plants can also attract specific animals that may be desirable, commonly you may hear about people creating “native butterfly gardens” to attract butterflies.
There are some special considerations when starting a Native Seed Library though.
Where to get seeds
Your seed collection is the base of your project. Decide where you are starting from as well as where you’d like to go. Many seed libraries start with donated or purchased seeds. Hopefully, over time you can build relationships with your members and community to transition to a local seed collection.
Your seed collection is the base of your project. Decide where you are starting from as well as where you’d like to go. Many seed libraries start with donated or purchased seeds. Hopefully, over time you can build relationships with your members and community to transition to a local seed collection.
Questions to Consider 🤔
- Where are you getting your initial seeds from?
- Are you open to purchasing seeds? If so, what is your budget, and which companies meet your criteria?
- Are you willing to include commercial hybrid seeds if they are donated?
- Can you collaborate with horticulture programs, schools, or community gardens to grow or save seeds?
- Will you seek donations from seed companies? If yes, which companies align with your seed library's values (e.g., non-GMO, ethical practices)? How will you acknowledge their contributions?
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Presentation by Danielle Carlock; Founder, Maricopa Native Seed Library, Maricopa Community Colleges, Maricopa County, AZ, USA at the 10th Annual Seed Library Summit, April 17, 2021.
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Presentation by Danielle Carlock, Founder, Maricopa Native Seed Library, Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Shawnita Onwuma, Branch Manager, County of SLO Public Libraries, Santa Margarita, California, USA, 2023.
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Native Seed Libraries Partners
We live in a time where it’s essential to have a strong web of support. Connect with some natural allies to let them know about your project and see if there are ways that they would like to get involved. Here are a few groups you may want to reach out to:
Example Packets Seed Libraries often feature a few key things on their seed packets:
Other things to include:
Auto Seed Wrapper We have several Auto Seed Wrappers for different bioregions. These are spreadsheets with some common species and include the scientific name, common name (where exists), planting instructions, and seed saving instructions. You specify the row you want, change the year of harvest, and press print. It's a game changer! You can also add links or brand it. Make a COPY to edit. If you add to them or make a new bioregion, please add to the Community Created Resources at the bottom.
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Cranford Native Seed Library
Cranford, NJ, USA
Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library, Richmond, CA, USA
Native wildflower label shared by McKinley Seed Library, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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Paper vs Plastic Envelopes
Paper envelopes are more breathable, allow for easy labeling, and they are eco-friendly, while plastic bags allow for durability, moisture resistance, and visibility if that is important to you.
Depending on the sun exposure, moisture exposure, overall weathering within your library, paper and plastic labels each have their advantages.
Paper envelopes are more breathable, allow for easy labeling, and they are eco-friendly, while plastic bags allow for durability, moisture resistance, and visibility if that is important to you.
Depending on the sun exposure, moisture exposure, overall weathering within your library, paper and plastic labels each have their advantages.
How do you want to organize your library?
Understanding budget, space, storage conditions, assistance with packaging, etc. are all extremely important, just as they are with starting any seed library. You may also want to organize your native seed library by other categories, such as perennials or annuals.
Understanding budget, space, storage conditions, assistance with packaging, etc. are all extremely important, just as they are with starting any seed library. You may also want to organize your native seed library by other categories, such as perennials or annuals.
Richmond Grows Seed Library organized their seed library using these categories: annuals, perennials, shrubs/vines, grasses, and bulbs. Many packets even had QR codes that take you to a webpage with additional plant information. Here is their How to Use the Library guide.
(In “Starting a Seed Library > Cabinets” you can find more information for organizational tips. )
(In “Starting a Seed Library > Cabinets” you can find more information for organizational tips. )
Seed Acquisition
Especially in the context of native seeds, acquisition of seeds from the environment requires extreme confidence in the Native identity of that seed, and the ability to clean and propagate that seed into a larger community without depleting natural resources.
The Ottawa Wildflower Native Seed Library (Grainothèque de fleurs sauvages d'Ottawa) uses the following guidelines for ethical native seed harvesting: Ethical Harvesting Guidelines
Some may opt for purchasing initial seeds only, to ensure quality and confidence in Native identity.
If starting a solely native library, it can be beneficial to have specific delineations on what plants are native. Resources to check-out could include nearby:
Especially in the context of native seeds, acquisition of seeds from the environment requires extreme confidence in the Native identity of that seed, and the ability to clean and propagate that seed into a larger community without depleting natural resources.
The Ottawa Wildflower Native Seed Library (Grainothèque de fleurs sauvages d'Ottawa) uses the following guidelines for ethical native seed harvesting: Ethical Harvesting Guidelines
Some may opt for purchasing initial seeds only, to ensure quality and confidence in Native identity.
If starting a solely native library, it can be beneficial to have specific delineations on what plants are native. Resources to check-out could include nearby:
- Wild Plant Societies
- Native Plant Societies (Australian Native Plant Society: click here for Resources)
- Garden Centers also often have some information for getting started on Natives
- Audubon Societies (USA)
- Wild Ones Chapters (USA)
- Landcare Group (Australia)
Considerations around Indigenous Sovereignty and Seed Identity
Questions to Consider 🤔
Indigenous communities across the world value native plants for their spiritual and community value, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living things and the necessity to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. It requires patience to create partnerships and trust with Indigenous communities, and willingness to share Indigenous wisdom with the general public differs across communities.
Questions to Consider 🤔
- How can I incorporate an understanding of the Indigenous cultural significance of this plant while being sensitive to the personal relationships to this plant?
- How can I approach this in a way that respects the intellectual and cultural property of Indigenous communities?
- What kinds of relationships can I develop with Indigenous communities in my area, not only partnerships but a continued understanding of one another and use of one another’s knowledge?
Indigenous communities across the world value native plants for their spiritual and community value, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living things and the necessity to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. It requires patience to create partnerships and trust with Indigenous communities, and willingness to share Indigenous wisdom with the general public differs across communities.
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Resources for Schools
G.W. Carver Elementary School Native Seed Library Richmond Hill, GA, USA Seeds of Stewards website This is a conversation between Kari Wilcher, Outdoor Educator at GW Carver Elementary, and Rebecca Newburn and Karina of the Seed Library Network. We recorded the conversation to review the resources later, but it ended up being such a wonderful conversation, we asked Kari if we could post it to share with the community. Here we link this conversation where Kari discusses helpful tips for schools who want to start seed libraries as education. |
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Community Created Resources
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Click on the "Community Tips & Resources" Airtable form to see resources from other native seed libraries and read tips about getting started.
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Do you have a native seed library? Help others launch by sharing resources that you created. Click on the Airtable form below to share your resources or any tips you have.
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Featured Native Seed Libraries
Douglas College, Institute of Urban Ecology (IUE)
New Westminster, BC, Canada
Their seeds are harvested from their Sol (Sustainability, Outreach & Learning) Garden located at their Coquitlam campus. The Sol Garden specializes in providing urban gardeners with the tools and resources they need to make their home gardens more sustainable! They have pollinator friendly flowers, native, noninvasive species, drought tolerant plants, wildlife friendly habitat, and a sacred Indigenous medicinal garden! To prevent the spread of invasive species they can only supply seeds to people living within the lower mainland of BC (Hope-Vancouver). Please note, seeds are only released seasonally based on their sowing time. Check out their resources:
They do not have a physical library space. Seed requests are placed via email ([email protected]) and they mail seeds out with Canada post. Again, to reduce the risk of spreading invasive species they can only mail seeds to people living in the lower mainland of BC (Hope-Vancouver).
New Westminster, BC, Canada
Their seeds are harvested from their Sol (Sustainability, Outreach & Learning) Garden located at their Coquitlam campus. The Sol Garden specializes in providing urban gardeners with the tools and resources they need to make their home gardens more sustainable! They have pollinator friendly flowers, native, noninvasive species, drought tolerant plants, wildlife friendly habitat, and a sacred Indigenous medicinal garden! To prevent the spread of invasive species they can only supply seeds to people living within the lower mainland of BC (Hope-Vancouver). Please note, seeds are only released seasonally based on their sowing time. Check out their resources:
- Catalogue: A list of all the seeds they carry with growing and sowing conditions plus links to external resources
- Plant Specific Seed Saving Videos: Videos that show people how to harvest and clean their own seeds at home
They do not have a physical library space. Seed requests are placed via email ([email protected]) and they mail seeds out with Canada post. Again, to reduce the risk of spreading invasive species they can only mail seeds to people living in the lower mainland of BC (Hope-Vancouver).
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Regional Native Seed Library Networks
Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library
Grainothèque de fleurs sauvages d'Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
Website 🌐
This is a must visit website for any group wanting to open a native seed library. Check out their How to start a native seed library page.
Grainothèque de fleurs sauvages d'Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
Website 🌐
This is a must visit website for any group wanting to open a native seed library. Check out their How to start a native seed library page.
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