Seed Catalog

Seed Catalog & Exchange

To promote the saving and sharing of seeds, the Huntington Public Library has established a seed exchange where patrons can come and choose seeds to plant free of charge. The seeds we currently have were donated by a few individuals. It is hoped that over time gardeners who save seeds themselves will donate extra seeds to the library’s seed exchange. If anyone who has saved their own seeds has seeds to share, we would be happy to accept them, package them up, and offer them along with the seeds already donated. We welcome any gardeners interested in participating. Seeds can be brought to the Huntington Public Library during regular open hours.

 

Available Seeds (Last Updated 10/2/2024)
Arugula Gourd, Luffa Squash, Carnival Winter
Beans, Provider Bush Kale, Russian Red Squash, Waltham Butternut
Beets, Red Ace Onion, Yellow Tomato, Brandywine Pink
Chives, Garlic Pepper, Serrano Hot
Dill Pepper, Tobasco

 

Why Save Seeds? By Linda Siska

  • The seeds you save will be well suited to the environment where they grow. Saving seeds from your most robust plants and replanting them year after year often results in higher germination rates, bigger harvests, and less disease.
  • By saving seeds you will become more self-sufficient. You will be able to produce your own seed. Plus, you’ll save money too.
  • When you save seeds, you are aiding in protecting seed and plant diversity.
  • If growing organically is important to you, saving your own seeds ensures that they are organic.
  • Seeds can only be saved from plants which are heirloom varieties (open pollinated plants). Plants which are grown from a hybrid seed will not be true to the original plant the next year. 
  • If you are just beginning to save seeds keep it simple. The seed saving process can be very easy. Peas and beans can be left on the vine to dry or dry them inside. Many vegetables such as butternut squash just need to be cut open, scoop out the seeds and dry them on a piece of newspaper.
  • Seeds need to be stored in an airtight container.

"When I first started saving seeds, I was surprised that many of the plants I had been planting were heirloom varieties and I didn’t know it. Sugar snap peas, Waltham butternut squash, Bloomsdale long standing spinach, to name a few. I use small envelopes, label them, and store them in a tin. My prediction is that once you start saving seeds you will wonder why it took you so long."

Seed Packs


If you are interested in participating in this exchange and would like to learn more, go to Seed Savers Exchange online or ask library staff about seed saving programs at the library. If you are already a seed saver, think about saving more seeds to share at the library next spring.