ABG Free Seed Libraries, Seed Updates, and Seed Saving
by Kristen Smeal
What started out as a passion project for Birgitt Evans and Kristen Smeal continues to grow into something special for the Island of Alameda. Started in Spring of 2020, the Alameda Backyard Growers’ Free Seed Libraries consists of a network of five boxes across the main island and Bay Farm. For specific locations, please click here. The ABG Seed Libraries are supplied with seeds purchased by the Alameda Backyard Growers as well as seed donations from the community. The libraries are stocked and maintained by homeowners at each location, which is no easy feat, especially in the peak months of propagation. ‘Seed Librarians’ have reported stocking the boxes daily during spring months and ‘tomato seeds flying off the shelf.’
Since 2020, nearly 65,000 packets of seeds have been distributed through the ABG Free Seed Library program. To keep up with demand, seed packing parties occur three times a year in January, April and August and yield thousands of seed packets to put in the boxes. Volunteers pack the seeds, while enjoying some light refreshments and conversation.
One special thing about the ABG Free Seed Library is that there is no need to worry about planting the wrong thing in the wrong season. The boxes are curated by season, so the seed packets being offered can be planted immediately.
An ultimate goal of the ABG Free Seed Library is to encourage seed saving and seeds return to the seed libraries. Just letting ten or more plants pass the prime of harvesting, or “go to seed,” will yield seeds to share with others. A common question is “What can and cannot be saved?” Some seeds are easier to save than others and will provide you with true-to-type plant varieties. Check here for an easy guide. For more information on types of seeds, see this article written by Margie Siegal: Non-GMO, Heirloom, Open Pollinated, Organic and Biodynamic Seed.
Birgitt Evans and Kristen Smeal will be offering a seed-saving class at 2pm on October 19 at the Alameda Free Library, Main Branch. This presentation and hands-on demonstration will give attendees an opportunity to harvest their own seeds to take home. Stay tuned to the ABG Newsletter and Alameda Free Library calendar for more information on the event.
Based on the feedback we have received through the years, people are learning that they can indeed grow veggies from seeds and are enjoying the process, even if there are some failures along the way. If you’ve been a recipient of seeds from the libraries and want to know how to grow them, check out this article: Growing Vegetables from Seed by Birgitt Evans.
If you have seeds to share or want to be notified about the next seed packing party, please email Birgitt at abg.grow.food@gmail.com. We also love to hear your success stories and see photos of gardens from ABG Free Seed Library seeds.
Keep on growing, Alameda!