Seed Library
Beginning May 1 2024 request your seed-starting garden kit below! Limit 1 of either type of kit per household.
May Kits:
- Culinary Herb Garden Kit (Basil, Thyme, Rosemary, Chives)
- Sunshine Garden (Golden beets, Yellow pepper, Golden tomato, Teddy Bear Sunflower)
The DTDL Seed Library is located inside the library near our circulation desk. Visit the seed library and grow your own fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers! The seed library is open all year during normal library hours.
How It Works
You have to visit the seed library in person to see what is currently available.
Seeds are available without checkout. We ask that you take only that which you intend to grow this season. Please keep in mind this is a resource for the entire community. Our goal is not to stock an entire garden but to present new possibilities in making gardening with a wide variety of plants more accessible.
Use our catalog to find resources to help you grow your seeds.
Donating seeds back to the seed library is optional.
Libraries & Seeds
The DTDL seed library promotes the growing, preserving, and sharing of locally grown plants amongst the community. Seed libraries cultivate knowledge in gardening and skills in self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. They also provide fresh food and help to sustain genetic diversity.
You can search for other seed libraries in the State of Michigan here: MI Seed Library Network
To view a map of seed libraries around the globe visit: Seed Library Census & Map
To view a map of seed libraries around the globe visit: Seed Library Census & Map
Seed Saving
We ask that if you would like to donate seed from your garden, you only donate from easy-to-save plants such as those listed below:
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When seeds are saved and preserved year after year, they slowly adapt to their environment. This helps to preserve biodiversity. One plant can often produce hundreds of seeds, which can be shared with others in the community through our seed library. If you are interested in seed saving we urge you to try with the plants listed above and to share your extra seed with our seed library.
The seed library also accepts donations of store-bought seed, provided it is non-GMO, open-pollinated (not hybrid), and is not older than 2 years.
All donated seeds must be labeled in a sealed envelope or bag. A seed donation form must also accompany each variety of seed donated.
Seed Donation Form LEARN MORE ABOUT SEED SAVING
View this guide on how to save tomato seeds: Saving Tomato Seeds.
View this guide on saving beans for future planting: Saving Beans
View this guide on saving beet seeds: Growing and Saving Beets
View this guide on saving cucumber seeds: Saving Cucumber Seeds
View this guide on saving marigold seeds: Marigolds
View this guide on saving basil seeds: Saving Basil Seeds