You can break down Patchogue-Medford Library’s new seed lending library in just three words:
- Borrow
- Grow
- Return
That’s how easy the concept is.
Every spring, participants will get free seeds from the library to plant at home, then later they will collect seeds from their healthiest and tastiest crops to take back to the seed library.
“When we grow food, our community grows. That’s why Patchogue-Medford Library is starting a Seed Library,” the library announced this week.
The library in Patchogue kicked things off on Saturday, Feb. 18, with an informational session. People were invited to learn about the seed library, donate their own seeds or take new ones home.
“We feel by educating with these workshops to know, grow and share your seed we are helping to empower our community to grow a garden of their choice and sustain our seed populations of heirloom, and non-GMO seeds by taking a simple approach,” said library staffer Laura Accardi.
Pat-Med is partnering with the Long Island Regional Seed Consortium and local gardeners on the project.
The Seed Consortium is a nonprofit group that “work(s) closely with breeders, farmers, chefs, gardeners and other organizations to spread the word about the importance of biodiversity, regional varieties and seed saving.”
Becoming a seed library member is free. Email ref@pmlib.org or call 631-654-4700.
“It’s easy to enjoy,” said Accardi. “The only mistake you can make is not to try.”
Photo: Mattituck farmer Stephanie Gaylor holds Hawaiian tomato seeds.
Credit: Riverhead News-Review/Carrie Miller
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