What is a seed bank?
Like seeds themselves, seed banks come in many shapes and sizes, but the thing they all have in common is in the storing and preserving of genetic diversity for future generations. The GCLS Seed Bank was started with guidance from the founder of LibrarySeedBank.info, Jeff Quattrone, who has helped a growing number of public libraries bring this great resource to their patrons.
How can I participate?
Through generous seed pack donations from companies like Seed Savers Exchange and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, GCLS will be making smaller packs of seeds available for free to our patrons by request and on a first-come-first-served basis.
Patrons can choose up to 12 packs of seeds from the list below and requests can be made by filling out the below form. All seed requests are subject to limited quantities, so we will do our best to fulfill each request, though we cannot guarantee having a constant stock of each variety of seed. GCLS cannot guarantee that the germination rate of these seeds will match that of their vendor’s estimation.
Seeds can be picked up at the Mullica Hill Library, Glassboro Library, Greenwich library, Logan Library, and the Margaret Dombrosky Swedesboro Public Library.
The list of available seeds is available here:
Is there help information? Do I need previous gardening experience to participate?
Along with the seeds themselves, The Library Seed Bank has created handy documents on garden planning, how to save seeds, and a garden journal to help keep track of all the new seeds you’ll be starting. We are encouraging patrons to use the guide on saving seeds to create a sustainable seed bank of your own. With minimal effort, one dill or tomato seed planted in the spring, could provide you with years worth of seeds in the fall and still have more than enough to share with friends and family.
How do I get started?
If you have questions, please contact: seedbank@gcls.org or 856-223-6011
Supplemental Information
Seeds Provided By
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company
