The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer: a sure sign of the growing season.
After surviving the darkest winter the province has seen in more than 70 years, I am sure I speak for everyone when I say good riddance.
Now is the time to start busting out the patio furniture, taking down the Christmas lights, and getting the garden ready for planting.
If you’re looking for something new to grow this season, why not check out the seeds in the BWG Seed Library?
How it works:
Every year, gardeners come to borrow seeds to plant in their garden and then (hopefully) return some of the harvested ones back to be borrowed again by others.
The great thing about a community seed library is it allows us to gather an abundance of various unique seeds to share with others. They also help protect genetic diversity and promote food security.
“We have over 50 varieties of seeds, focusing more on vegetables this year due to rising costs and food access and security,” explains Elisa Harland, who oversees this year’s BWG Seed Library. “Tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, and sunflowers are the most popular.”
In the month of March, the BWG Library filled 315 seed packets for the community. Most seeds can still be planted directly outdoors after the last frost (usually late May), so there’s still time.
If you’re new to the BWG Seed Library, please check out our seeds in person near the front desk or peruse our online catalogue.
Check out our catalogue of seeds and an order form here.
Once you have your form filled in, bring it to the service desk, where a staff member will be happy to assist you with getting your seeds.
If you are interested in donating seeds, please bring them to the library, fill out an information form and leave them in our donation box. Please include as much information about the plant as possible, including colour, size, variety, and type of seed. No need to package and label them; we will do that for you! Open-pollinated varieties are preferred.
Need a little garden inspiration and motivation?
Check out our book list for adults and kids on seed libraries and gardening here.
We love to see your gardens coming to life. Feel free to send us photos of your gardening experience. Feel free to tag us on social media @bwglibrary.
For more information on the BWG Seed Library, email Elisa at [email protected].
’Til next week, happy reading.
Natasha Philpott is the marketing and communications co-ordinator at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library.
