We read in the local paper about something we liked so much that we had to share it with you: the seed library. In more and more libraries in the Netherlands, you can get free, poison-free seeds for your garden or balcony. But there is something in return. You borrow the seeds, because the idea is that you later return the seeds yourself. How exactly that works, we explain to you now. This totally fits on your greener list!
Exchange more seeds with each other
The seed library started in 2017 as a small Frisian initiative of the Fryslân Seed Library Foundation. Since then, locations can be found throughout the country. And that's important, because seeds are a source of life: they allow us to grow food. Yet these days, growing your own seeds is the exception rather than the rule. Whereas it used to be quite normal to swap seeds of flowers, herbs and vegetables with each other, it happens very little nowadays. More and more traditional varieties are disappearing and seeds are patented by big companies worldwide. This makes gardeners dependent and reduces variety and thus biodiversity. The Seed Library wants to turn this tide by making seeds freely accessible and sharing knowledge about sowing, harvesting and swapping. Because seeds belong to nature, and therefore to everyone.
Visiting the seed library at OBA Amsterdam (location Ouderkerk aan de Amstel).
How does the seed library work?
In more and more libraries you will find a seed library in spring. Here you can take or rather borrow organic seeds for free. Because the idea is that after sowing, you also bring some back. It works like this: you choose a few bags with seeds of edible or ornamental plants. You sow them in your garden or on your balcony and after harvesting, let a few plants bloom on purpose. These flowers form seed pods or fruits that contain new seeds. You collect these, let them dry well and then return them to the seed library. This way, you help keep the collection alive and diverse. Please note: you should not simply hand in a bag of leftover seeds from the garden centre. The seed library runs on trust and on the commitment of gardeners who share unsprayed seeds from their own gardens.
Want to join? Sign up for free on the website of Zadenbibliotheek Nederland, see where your nearest seed library is, choose your seeds and sow away! Watch the video of the visit here!
Harvesting and returning seeds
Want to return seeds to the seed library? Super! Then let some of your plants flower and form seeds. Harvest those seeds and let them dry well, preferably in a dark, cool place. Then put them in a paper bag, not plastic, as this can cause them to go mouldy. Write clearly on the bag the name of the plant, the year of harvest and the place where you harvested them. That way, other gardeners will know if the seeds will grow well on them too. Simple, right? And with such a small gesture you contribute to something big: more biodiversity ánd a well-stocked seed library for everyone.
More gardening tips
- Also see: Why toxic-free plants are important for your garden.
- Also see: You can also find free plants by joining an organised bush raid.
- Also see: Around April, you can also pick up free native flower seeds from one of the bee food banks.
- Also see: handy list of better potting soil and garden soil.
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
