Start your garden for free with seeds from the Indianapolis Public Library’s seed library.
Seeds to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers are available at all 25 library branches, plus the bookmobile, from March to September. During each visit, you can get up to five packets from displays around each branch. You don’t need a library card.
The seed library is designed to give people more access to fresh ingredients, including ones from different cultures — like callaloo, a leafy green often used in Caribbean cooking. There are six types of flower seeds, seven herbs and 15 veggies.
You also can submit art for next year’s seed packets. Artists who are 14 or older can enter their seed packet designs online, and anyone under 13 years old can drop off a design at any library branch.
When you’re ready to start growing, the library’s gardening blog shares videos, reading recommendations and resources for kids.
“The seed library is a great resource for Indianapolis residents who want to try their hand at
gardening, whether they have a backyard or just a small space for container plants,” said Jill Edwards, adult programming specialist at The Indianapolis Public Library.
For more information, you can text the library at 317-333-6877, call 317-275-4100 or check out the library’s locations page for hours and addresses.
You can also get support at events like the monthly West Perry gardening group, the regular kids’ class about pollinators or the expert-led sessions like Smaller Space Gardening.
Mirror Indy reporter Sophie Young covers services and resources. Contact her at sophie.young@mirrorindy.org.
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