Adults

This mission of the MCPL Seed Library is to collect, grow and share seeds with the community. The MCPL Seed Library contains a selection of vegetable, herb and flower seeds. Our selection changes throughout the year based on donations what is returned. Most our seeds are organic and GMO-free unless otherwise noted on the package.

10 Benefits of Seed Saving  
1. Increase your self-reliance.
2. Become closer to nature and the land.
3. Become a steward of diversity.
4. Save money on seeds.
5. Spread knowledge.
6. Establish ties to history.
7. Take control of your food.
8. Explore food history.
9. Show off your gardening skills.
10. Be part of the Middle Country growing and seed saving community!

Step 1: Borrow

Patrons may obtain 4 packets of seeds per visit. Patrons are limited to 20 packets of seeds per month. Please only take what you can grow in your space.  After you’ve made your selection, please visit the Adult Reference Desk and a librarian will check the seeds out to you. Our Seed Libraries are located in the adult public floors in both Centereach and Selden and can be accessed anytime the library is open.  After you’ve made your selection, please visit the Adult Reference Desk with your library card and let a librarian know which seeds you’ll be borrowing.

Current List of Seeds

Patrons should make an effort to save seeds. You can attend our gardening programs offered throughout the year to learn more. We also have a large selection of seed saving books you can check out!  All gardeners should maintain good records and make sure everything is labeled when returning seeds. You can also bring your seeds to our Annual Seed Exchange in March.

Remember Seed Saving is fun and a rewarding experience!

Step 2: Plant & Learn 

Now for the fun part: growing! Each packet is labeled with basic directions on how to grow the seeds. You can also visit the Seed Saver Exchange website or Hudson Valley Seed Company for more detailed directions.

Throughout the year, we’ll have programs on seed saving, pest control, and growing tips.

Step 3: Return & Share

Collect seeds from your healthiest or tastiest crops. Seed saving envelopes are available at the Adult Reference Desk. You can also download and print our Seed Labels. Please include as much information about the crop as possible. The success of our seed library depends on good record-keeping. Seeds can be returned to the Adult Reference Desk at any time.

Sign up for the Seed Library Newsletter:

Sign up for the Seasonal Leaflet email!

Read Past Issues: 

Winter 2023 – Issue One of MCPL Seed Library Seasonal Leaflets.

Spring 2023 – Issue Two of MCPL Seed Library Seasonal Leaflets.

Summer 2023 – Issue Three of MCPL Seed Library Seasonal Leaflets.

Fall 2023 – Issue Four of MCPL Seed Library Seasonal Leaflet

Winter 2024 – Issue Five of the MCPL Seed Library Seasonal Leaflet

Spring 2024 – Issue Six of the MCPL Seed Library Seasonal Leaflet

Cornell Cooperative Extension offers research-based support to gardeners with online horticulture leaflets, gardening schools and master gardener classes.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center an interactive site where you can search for New York native plants.

Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder allows users to look up, view a photo and read about the over 7,500 plants by scientific name, common name and/or selected plant characteristics.

NATIVE PLANT LIST for New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern New Jersey a “starter” list of native plants for New York, Pennsylvania, and northern New Jersey. It is intended for residential or commercial landscapers who want to create attractive and varied native landscape.

Seed Exchange is a nonprofit that conserves and promotes America’s culturally diverse but endangered garden and food crop heritage for future generations by collecting, growing, and sharing heirloom seeds and plants.

Suffolk County LibGuide Seed Saving and Seed Libraries  highlights the importance of seed saving and provides tips and links to resources.

Vegetable Seed Saving Handbook provides specific seeds saving instructions for common vegetables.