A new idea is starting to sprout and take root at the Vernon library — a seed lending library.
Patrons will be allowed to check out seeds on the condition they replace the seeds the following season from the plants they grew.
“The objective is to foster healthy eating by enhancing people’s ability to grow their own fresh food,” said Vernon reference librarian Peter Critchley. “We also want to promote a culture of sharing, recognize the rich agricultural heritage of the North Okanagan and hopefully develop seed stock that is particularly well-suited to different parts of the region.”
The seed lending library will only stock heirloom seeds — plant varieties grown for several generations with physical and genetic qualities that are relatively stable. These seeds are true to type, and planners will reap what they sow.
The library has prepared two guides on how to save seeds and these are available at the library. Some seeds, such as beans, squash and herbs, are easy to save. Other seeds, such as tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers, are more difficult. All seeds will be stored in a cabinet and organized first by family name, species and variety, if that information is available.
“The long-term plan is to create an online catalogue of the seed with other information about seed saving, including the material in the two brochures.”
Patrons contributing seed will be asked to place seeds from each vegetable in its own envelope and label it with the type of vegetable, variety if known, date and general location. The envelopes can be dropped off at the information desk on the second floor of the library.
“The reason we want the date and location is to build a data base that hopefully one day will allow growers to choose seed that is particularly well adapted to where they intend to plant it,” said Critchley. “This information could also help determine why a plant did poorly or exceptionally well by looking back at weather patterns from that year, in terms of the micro-climates in the region.”
The seed will be stored in a cabinet on the second floor. A ledger will be available at the cabinet and patrons will be asked to sign it, enter their library card number and the seed they borrow. There is no set limit but patrons will be asked to consider the needs of all library users.
“A natural relationship exists between seeds and books — both prefer cool, dry and dark environments.”
A pinch of small seed will usually provide you with more than enough seedlings. For larger seeds, patrons will be asked to limit themselves to a few and to consider how big the plant gets and how much it produces. One or two zucchini plants are often more than enough to feed your family and neighbours.
Seeds can be dropped off at the information desk on the second floor.
The Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library is at 2800-30th Ave. For more information, please call 250-542-7610 and ask for Peter.
