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Peterborough Community Seed Library

Mission

The Peterborough Community Seed Library works to strengthen regional food security and self-reliance by distributing seed to the community, sustaining a seed saving network, promoting the use of native plants, and providing ongoing education for gardeners at all levels. 

The group is supported by a group of volunteers, the Friends of the Library, and sponsored by the Peterborough Town Library.

Goals: 

  • Distribute and collect open-pollinated seeds for community use
  • Encourage the growth of food and native plants
  • Promote seed-saving skills
  • Offer gardening programs and education in collaboration with community partners

The 2024 Seed Library has been put to bed for the season.

We look forward to bringing back seed in early spring 2025. Thank you to our volunteers and The Friends of the Library for funding seeds and supplies!

2024 Community seed library graphic

How to Borrow Seeds: 

All are welcome to borrow seed from this library.

Select up to 5 packets of seed per season.

Seed Instructions: Visit this site to view seed facts, tips and growing instructions.

You do not need a library card to borrow seed. 

Seeds

Check out these great books:

Seed Libraries: and other means of keeping seeds in the hands of the people /written by Cindy Conner

The Seed Garden : the art and practice of seed saving /written by Micaela Colley & Jared Zystro.

Mini Farming : self sufficiency on a 1/4 acre / Brett L. Markham.

A few video tutorials here:

How to SAVE SEEDS: Seed saving TIPS and EXAMPLES

Demystifying SEED SAVING Concerns (Cross Pollination, Hybrids & How To Save SEEDS Anyway)

Why now?

Since 2020 many members of the Monadnock area have experienced supply chain disruptions, including access to seeds. Seed saving offers our community a hedge against unexpected inavailability, while also preserving seed proven to be successful in our zone 5 climate. Together we can restore and build a local seed saving culture of self reliance and sharing.


Why does this matter? 

Saving seeds is a revolutionary act. Did you know NH is one of the least food secure states in the U.S.? In tandem with growing your own food, having native plants ensures that pollinators have both a food source and nectar in order to pollinate your vegetables.  


Here are a few other reasons: 

  • The seeds we save are from the best of the crop. Over time, seed saving leads to crops best suited to our local conditions.
  • Saving seeds saves you money!
  • Saving seeds guarantees you will have access to that seed next season. Periodic seed shortages occur. This reminds us that seed availability is not guaranteed and we need local systems to add a layer of security.
  • Saved seed frequently introduces gardeners to varieties not available in grocery stores which helps to preserve the flavor profiles of unique varieties.
  • Teaching others to save seed and sharing gardening knowledge strengthens our regional food security, allows individuals to grow native plants, and benefits pollinators and birds. 

Funded with the help of the Friends of the Peterborough Town Library