New Seed Library for Gardeners

Ever heard of a seed library? Similar to borrowing a book, gardeners can “borrow” seeds with the intention of collecting seeds from mature plants and returning those seeds in the fall.

The University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners recently launched the group’s first Seed Library at the extension office, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock. The “library” is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. McHenry County residents can obtain these seeds at no cost and can give back by collecting seeds from their plants in the the fall to replenish the library.

“We have devoted an entire bookcase for the seeds that we have this season for gardeners to ‘check out.’ We are also excited to see what type of seeds we will get back in the fall,” said Brenda Dahlfors, program coordinator of the U of I Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners.

The library is organized by vegetables and flowers, both annual and perennial. The system is organized alphabetically and there is a list of available seeds. Due to COVID restrictions, borrowers can review the list of seeds when they come in, but a volunteer will retrieve the seed packets for them.

Borrowers are asked to limit their requests based on what they plan to use this season. An entire packet or a specific number of seeds can be requested. Then a “library card” form is filled out.

For more information, email Brenda Dahlfors at dahlfors@illinois.edu or call the U of I Extension McHenry County office at 815-338-3737.