Post contributed by Patricia Hartman, Reference & Instruction Librarian at RBD Library, pjh0011@auburn.edu.
A small sample of what the AU Seed Library has to offer.
Seed libraries are sprouting up across the country and Auburn University is no exception. With the help of some fantastic student volunteers and the Academic Sustainability Program, AU Seed Library is up and running with a variety of seeds for fall planting. Collards, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard & turnip greens, radishes – we’ve got ‘em!
The second such library in the state of Alabama, AU Seed Library is a collection of vegetable, herb, flower, and shrub seeds. It operates on the same basic premise as a book library. You can check out seeds, grow them, and then bring back seeds from your plants.
The Seed Library’s main purposes are to preserve local biodiversity in our food crops and ecosystems and to build a community of seed sharers. Our long-term goal is to build a collection of locally adapted heirloom vegetable and native plant seeds. Still in the fledgling stage, we currently have and accept all kinds of seeds in our inventory.
AU Seed Library cabinet located in RBD Library.
Not only is the Seed Library a way to procure seeds for your garden, it’s also a fun way to learn about seed saving and why genetic diversity of our crops and native plants is important. We support gardeners of all levels and want to help users learn how to successfully grow plants and harvest their seeds.
We have some interesting and educational activities planned for the next few months, including a seed collecting trip to Davis Arboretum in September. If you have an idea for an event or would like to teach a class, please let me know!
Does it sound too good to be true? It isn’t! Membership is free and open to the public so let your gardening friends know! There is no obligation to return or donate seeds. That said, contributions are certainly appreciated! The success of the Seed Library depends on the support of its members to sustain the collection and we really are just getting started.
Come visit us on the first floor of RBD Library and check out the AU Seed Library website. We’re on Facebook too so “like” us to stay up to date on our seed collection and upcoming events!
Where is best place to park so as not get a ticket from campus police to visit seed library. Thanks jim
To park on campus there is guest parking on the top level of the Stadium Parking Deck, or you can go by the Parking Services office located at the South Quad Parking Deck to get a temporary parking permit. Another option is to use the metered parking on College Street and walk over to campus. Thanks!
Are y’all open tomorrow???
Lee —
The AU Seed Library is housed in the Ralph Brown Draughon Library, which maintains hours virtually every day of the year. Hope you get the chance to swing by for some seeds.
Take Care,
Amy
I’m not so much concerned with acquiring seed from the University but more about finding out about OP varieties of vegetables that do well in our hot, humid climate where disease and pests run rampant. Primarily I’m interested in OP tomato varieties and to a lesser degree cucumber and melon varieties. I’m down in west central Crenshaw County. I’m beginning to rely on hybrid seed to be the problems I’ve ran into with OP plants. I would love to be able to save seed from productive plants and tailor the gene pool to my micro-climate. Thanks for any feedback that you may have. Ed
Ed –
Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of answers for you from those of us in our office. We suggest you reach out to your local extension office agents for guidance. Best of luck!