Traditionally, farmers and gardeners have saved seeds each fall to prepare for the coming spring’s planting. This practice has grown over centuries, and now, commonly, seed libraries can be found in an effort to protect biodiversity, build community resiliency, and create more opportunities for amateur and experienced gardeners to plant new species.
“Saving seeds and sharing them with your community is an act of resiliency for ourselves and the natural world around us,” says Sarah Rodgers, Outdoor Learning Spaces Coordinator. “A seed library is such a lovely idea because it allows people to develop a new hobby, feed themselves and their families, and connect them to the people and place around them. “
The Office of Sustainability is excited to carry on this tradition at Wake Forest by developing our own seed library here on campus. Seeds carry important genetic material, and there are many different types of seeds to grow! The more variety and diversity of seeds we can grow, the healthier gardens and farms we can cultivate. A seed library is one of the ways to do this on a community scale.
Starting a garden or growing a plant for the first time can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With an on-campus seed library, you can take a few different seeds. This means novice gardeners can experiment with what plants work best in their garden, and experienced planters can try out new varieties loved by their community members.
Donations to build the library catalogue will be accepted year-round. These may be seeds you never got around to planting, a species that gave you trouble, or a favorite you’d like to share with others. Anyone can donate seeds; please label your seeds and drop them off at the Office of Sustainability (Building 29) or the Campus Garden at 1141 Polo Road. Donated seeds will be available for community members to start their own gardens come spring.
We hope this community resource encourages gardeners of all experience levels to try their hand at planting something new, whether it’s in a plot in their backyard or in a pot next to their window. This seed library should serve as a reminder that all you need to start gardening is some dirt and seeds!
We hope to see you and your seeds soon! Questions can be emailed to Sarah Rodgers, Outdoor Learning Spaces Coordinator, at rodgers@wfu.edu.