Tinker ☀️Oct 10, 2023

Alright, sent an email to the head of my local library about setting up a seed library there.

Seeds libraries are places you can go and "check out" seeds. Grow the seeds. Let one of the grown plants go to seed. Harvest the seeds. Then "return" the seeds back to the seed library!

Free seeds!!!!

Check and see if you have a seed library near you: https://www.communityseednetwork.org/map/

Or connect and share seeds with folks online:
https://exchange.seedsavers.org

#solarPunk #seedLibrary #libraryEconomy #urbanGardening

Connect - Community Seed Network

Community Seed Network -
Show threadTinker ☀️Oct 12, 2023

Great news! My library got back to me!

They're interested in building out a seed library as well!!!

YAYAYAYAY!!!!!!

I'm developing some basic classes on how to do low-budget, simple, indoor (in any space) hydroponics. I'm also building out some starter kits to give away.

I'll see if the local library would like me to give these courses and kits when the seed library gets built as a way to promote it and get word out to the local community.

#solarPunk #seedLibrary #postScarcity #libraryEconomy #indoorGardening #urbanGardening

Show threadTinker ☀️Nov 7, 2023

Update on the local Seed Library (see previous posts in this thread for background)!

We've got official approval to start building it out!

We'll start the official planning, building, and then community awareness initiatives and concurrent programming and training!

Yay free seeds for the town!

Yay free classes on gardening and hydroponics!

Gardening is one thing. Community is another thing entirely.

Build community. Feed each other.

#solarPunk #hydroponics #indoorGardening #gardening #urbanGardening

Show threadTinker ☀️Apr 22, 2024

THEY DID IT!!!!

My local library built the seed library!

The local Master Gardeners provided a lot of the intitial seeds (oh my gosh we are stocked!!!). They used an old card catalogue to store them. Today's the kickoff!

The idea is you "check out seeds" from the library, plant/grow/harvest, let some go to seed, then "return the seeds" back to the library!

Free seeds for everyone!

Editing to add my library's Seed Library web site: https://www.librarypoint.org/seed-library/

#solarPunk #postScarcity #gardening #mutualAid #seedLibrary #earthDay

Seed Library

Share with Your Community Donating seeds is a wonderful way to support our community and promote biodiversity. Bring in your heirloom,…

Show threadSciences, Flute 🌍 
@tinker 2020 looks quite old for some seeds which wouldn't grow anymore, it would be great to check for seed storage time (and indicate it on the sticker?) from time to time, and suggest using the oldest first, maybe in a separate basket? just an idea.
Apr 22, 2024 at 2:22pmWeb
Show threadTinker ☀️Apr 22, 2024
@SciencesPoulet - That was just a sample I brought out and part of an initial seed drive. We accepted all seeds, even if they were old. Folks know that not all may germinate. As it moves forward, it will be stocked with fresh seeds.
Show threadJohn TimaeusApr 22, 2024

@tinker
Definite win for you! Well done.

@SciencesPoulet
While germination rate does go down with time, there shouldn't be too much worry about five year old beans. 95%+ germination is crucial when you're planting thousands of seeds for commercial production. 75% is perfectly fine for most home gardeners.
Especially when the first person to take those home should be bringing back renewed seed when the season is over.

Show threadJo RhodesAug 23, 2025
@johntimaeus @tinker @SciencesPoulet I run a community fridge and we often get given old seeds. I do germination tests on really old ones but even 15 year old chard seeds I tried had 50% germination rate and grew fine so just need to tell people to sow more. Great resources on germination, seed saving, storage and other things here from Vital Seeds. Just realised this is replying to a toot from last year..can you update us on how it has been going? https://vitalseeds.co.uk/growing-resources/seed-saving-resources/
Seed Saving Resources - Vital Seeds - Learn how to save your own seed!

Handy how-to guides and videos on how to save your own seed at home. Seed saving from most crops is simple, but there are important techniques to learn.

Vital Seeds