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Our Seed Library is OPEN for the season!<\/center><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\nWhen you are out purchasing seeds for your garden this year please consider purchasing one or two extra packets to donate to our seed library. We need to always need to restock our supply. Join our Harwinton Grows Facebook<\/a> group to learn more about harvesting seeds from your own garden!
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Our Mission
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The mission of Harwinton Grows Seed Library is to provide seeds for the community and encourage our members to embrace biodiversity.
\nThe Seed Library is a free program committed to increasing our ability to feed ourselves wholesome food. We offer seeds and education.<\/p>\n
Harwinton Grows<\/h4>\n
A seed library is a way of collecting and sharing seeds to encourage biodiversity and to produce better local plants and produce.<\/p>\n
We hope to preserve our local agricultural biodiversity by focusing on rare, local and heirloom seeds. In addition, we hope to promote home gardening for flowers and vegetables.<\/p>\n
We have a large selection of seeds that you can \u201cborrow\u201d. These seeds have been generously donated from reputable seed companies and local seed library members.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLibrary Organization<\/h4>\n
The Library is organized alphabetically by the general name for the plant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
How does it work?<\/h4>\n
The seed library operates on the honor system. You become a member automatically when you withdraw seeds to plant.<\/p>\n
1. Select seeds from our collection
\n2. Package and label your seeds, taking 5 seeds for every one plant you wish to grow.\u00a0 If you can use a whole packet please feel free to take it.
\n3. Plant and Enjoy
\n4. Save Seeds (if you wish) and return a portion to the Library to be shared with others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy Save Seeds?<\/h4>\n
Humans have been saving seeds for over 12,000 years. However, in our culture much of that knowledge has been lost over the last hundred years, along with significant biodiversity. When you grow and save your own seeds, you:<\/p>\n
\u2022 develop seed stock that is well suited to our climate
\n\u2022 save money
\n\u2022 mitigate our dependence on agro-business<\/p>\n
A seed library creates a culture of sharing and abundance.<\/p>\n
We encourage all members to learn basic seed-saving techniques so that you can return seeds, allowing us to create a self-sustaining library!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDonating Seeds<\/h4>\n
1. Save seed from your crops.
\n2. Seeds for the library should be in envelopes with the Seed Label (provided by the Library).
\n3. Bring your labeled seeds to the Library and place them in the incoming seed box.<\/p>\n
Harwinton Grows Educational Events:<\/h4>\n
1. Let’s Talk Gardening – bi-monthly discussion group (April – October)
\n2. Seed Starting Class (Spring)
\n3. Seed Saving Class (Fall)<\/p>\n
Books available at the library:<\/h4>\n
\u2022 Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth
\n\u2022 The Complete Guide to Seed Saving by Robert Gough
\n\u2022 The Seed Underground by Janisse Ray
\n\u2022 Seed Libraries by Cindy Conner
\n\u2022 Movie: Seed the Untold Story<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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