Grow With Us This Spring!
By: Julia Welzen
Have you heard about seed libraries? Users can “check out” seeds to grow in their own gardens that year, but you don’t need to bring the seeds back and there are no overdue fees. You’ll find seed libraries all over the United States, usually housed in public libraries, and, and usually they have unusual, heirloom, and/or non-GMO seeds.
We are proud that Hamilton East Public Library will be opening seed libraries at both the Noblesville and Fishers Libraries on March 6 of this year!
Whether you’re a new gardener, a seasoned pro looking to change it up this year, or your goals and expertise lie somewhere in between, you will find a vegetable, herb, or flower in the Seed Library that fits your needs. Think of the seed library as an opportunity to explore and discover new plant varieties and stretch your gardening comfort zone. You’ll get to spend active time outdoors, learn something new, and, if it’s an edible plant, eat something you grew yourself!
If you’re a new gardener, we recommend starting with easy-to-grow plants that only require a sunny little patch of ground or a pot filled with a soil mix. Try French Breakfast radishes, dazzling Bright Lights Swiss chard, spicy Genovese basil, crunchy lettuce mix, or cheerful marigolds and make your first-year goal to grow a yummy and colorful salad. More advanced gardeners might enjoy experimenting with heirloom varieties requiring more investment and care: Cherokee Purple tomatoes, Hungarian Hot Wax peppers, New England Pie pumpkins, or bright scarlet corn poppies will brighten your yard and tantalize your taste buds.
You can even extend the season into fall! Some vegetables, like radishes, carrots, spinach, and peas do well with new plantings in cooler weather. The 2019 seed library will be open March 6 – October 4.