Washington State Seed Library Network

What is a Seed Library?

A seed library is like a book library but with seeds! There are many ways to operate a seed library. Some offer seeds with no expectation of return. Some seed libraries offer education about seed saving, so you can save seeds from what you’ve grown and bring fresh seed back to keep the library restocked.

A seed library offers a simple means of preserving, diversifying and sharing seeds. Often the goal is to educate gardeners on the process and importance of saving seeds, while providing access to free seeds for anyone in the community.

Why a Network?

As a seed library network, our goal is to connect seed libraries throughout Washington State with each other and the residents of their communities. We can provide support with resources such as seed sourcing, educational opportunities and event promotion.

Why Share Seeds?

Learning to save your own garden seeds and share them with others can be important steps in community self-reliance.

Seeds for growing food have historically been a community resource. In recent decades, most farmers and gardeners have purchased their seed stock, putting their trust and capital in the hands of seed sellers. While some local and regional seed companies are fighting for open-sourced seeds and encouraging seed sovereignty, large chemical corporations own much of the seed market and are working towards keeping seeds a commodity by trademarking and patenting seed genetics.  

Saving seeds allows us to keep growing certain varieties of crops that have cultural significance, some of which may no longer be available in the seed trade. These seeds grow food and these foods have stories. Keeping the seeds growing is part of keeping those stories alive. Saving and sharing our cultural seeds and stories allows us to hold on to our cultural diversity and the genetic diversity of our food crops.

Resources

Learn more about how to save seeds from your home or community gardens using our online resources. Let us know if you have other great resources to share.

• The Seed Savers Exchange is a great place to learn about how and why to preserve heirloom seeds. They also host a network of seed savers and offer handy resources on starting a seed library and hosting a seed swap.
• Organic Seed Alliance’s downloadable seed saving guide for gardeners and farmers.
• Seed Ambassadors’ guide to seed saving, seed stewardship, and seed sovereignty.
• Listen to Seeds and Their People podcast feature seed stories told by the people who truly love them.

Please note that seeds are sacred in some cultures, and it may not be appropriate to share all kinds of seeds. Some may be given as a gift but not taken or passed on without permission.

How to Get Involved

Become a Seed Saver

Grow food in your yard or a community garden. Learn how to save seeds from your favorite crops. Share those seeds out into your garden community. Teach others about saving seeds. Find a seed library near you and get involved. Start a seed library if there isn’t one close to you!

Join the Network

Seed savers and librarians are invited to join our network! This network is free to join and offers opportunities for seed savers and seed libraries to share resources, promote your offerings and events, and get access to educational opportunities to deepen your seed keeping knowledge.

Volunteer

If you’d like to volunteer with the Washington State Seed Library Network, great! Please get in touch with us.

Attend an Event

Check below for the Washington State Seed Library’s upcoming events like seed swaps, workshops, network meetings and more. Check with your local seed library for events in your area. Find more events and other seed library news on our Facebook page.