Grimsby Grows Seed Library

How to get seeds

Follow these steps to get seeds:

Go to the Grimsby Grows Seed Library station at the Grimsby Public Library;
Browse and pick out the seeds you would like grow. Seeds are stored alphabetically in labelled, pre-filled envelopes;
Fill out the provided checkout form with the varieties of seeds you have selected and bring it to the library service desk on your way out.

How to return seeds

To return or donate seeds, follow these steps:

Harvest seeds from your heirloom vegetables in the fall;
Put the seeds into an envelope or container and clearly label it with the seed variety and year of harvest. (Tip: You can pick up pre-labelled envelopes at the Grimsby Grows Seed Library station);
Bring your labelled seeds to the Library and drop them off at the library service desk. They will be added to the collection so that other people will be able to check them out next year.

Seed Library open/close dates

Opens:

In the spring
Start picking up seeds in mid-March

Closes:

In the fall
You can get seeds from the Library into September
In October and November, return seeds to help restock the collection for the following year

Seed Library goals

The Seed Library encourages the community to grow their own food by providing a resource for heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable seeds. It is free and accessible to everyone in Grimsby and promotes life-long learning about gardening and cooking. We aim to inspire self-reliance, healthy eating, and a culture of sharing in the community as part of Grimsby's rich agricultural heritage.

Types of seeds in the library

The Seed Library carries vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. All seeds are open-pollinated/heirloom types. There are several varieties of each type of seed.

Common types of seeds in supply:

Beans
Herbs
Lettuce
Peas
Peppers
Squash
Sunflower
Tomatoes

The Grimsby Grows Garden

Each year the library plants a garden using the heirloom seeds from the Grimsby Grows Seed Library as a way to show the community the kinds of things that can be grown at home. Different varieties are grown every year, so each summer is a new experience. Find the Grimsby Grows Garden in bloom on the library's back patio from spring to fall.