Get ready for the 2026 HEPL Seed Library! We love hearing about your gardens every year, and we know the Seed Library is very important to library users. Our hope is that with the HEPL Seed Library, you will explore how wonderful gardening can be, no matter where you are in your gardening journey.
In 2026, we will open in two phases that will take place on February 9 and March 9. On February 9, we will start circulating select varieties that require early starts or other care that means you need to start working with them earlier. At HEPL, we call these Level 2 seeds, and they include:
- Vegetables, herbs, and flowers that need to be planted indoors several weeks before they can be planted outdoors. This includes plants like tomatoes, peppers, lavender, asters, and snapdragons.
- Native plants that require preparation, like cold moist stratification before being planted outside. This includes plants like rose mallow, mistflower, and rattlesnake master
On March 9, all varieties will be available.
We started transitioning our packaging to biodegradable bags, starting this year with select varieties, mostly for native plants. These biodegradable bags are a different size with a green stripe on the zipper. If you’d like to compost these biodegradable bags after you’ve used them, we’d highly recommend researching the best method for you.
Visit the Seed Library page for a complete list of seeds and growing guides. Don’t forget to tag us (@hamiltoneastpl #heplgrowers) if you post pictures of your garden!
How does the Seed Library work?
Once the Seed Library is open, you can come to the Fishers or Noblesville Library to get a maximum of 15 seed packets per library cardholder for the 2026 growing season. We follow the honor system, so no need to check in with a staff member unless you have questions. You are not required to return seeds, but we do welcome donations of most varieties of harvested seeds to share again with our community. If you have gardening questions, you can email the Seed Library team at [email protected].
Can I get seeds for my school/community group/nonprofit?
We love working with schools, community groups, and HOAs to beautify Fishers and Noblesville! If your group would like to partner with us, please do not take packets from the catalogs since this quickly depletes our collection. Instead, contact us at [email protected], and we will discuss options customized to your needs.
What kinds of seeds do you have?
There are 145 seed varieties in HEPL’s collection this year, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, and even a native grass. The seeds are non-GMO and open-pollinated. We do not include hybrid plants in the collection. You’ll find old favorites as well as fresh varieties each year. We also label our plants by difficulty level so you can choose plants that you’ll find the most success with.
Each year, we rotate in a few new varieties to offer you an opportunity to try something new. For 2026, we included New York Early onions, American bellflower, Hungarian hot wax peppers, lemon balm, Blue Beech tomatoes, and more!
Upcoming HEPL Gardening Programs
Thursday, February 5 at 6-7:30pm at Fishers Library
Discover how to grow citrus fruits beyond your USDA zone! Learn startup tips, care techniques, resources, and troubleshooting methods from an expert grower. Presented by Peaceful & Practical Edible Gardens.
The Beginner’s Guide to Foraging: Learn to Forage Safely and Sustainably
Saturday, March 7 at 2-4pm at Fishers Library
Learn to safely identify and harvest wild edible plants! This beginner foraging program teaches basics of plant ID, safety, and sustainability. Presented by Hoosier Forager.
Enchanted Abodes: A DIY Fairy House Workshop
Thursday, March 26 at 6-7:45pm at Fishers Library
Design and build a whimsical fairy house using natural and craft materials in this fun DIY workshop for adults. All supplies provided.
Thursday, April 23 at 5:30-7:30pm at Fishers Library
Learn how to safely identify, locate, and enjoy wild morel mushrooms in this beginner-friendly introduction to spring foraging. Perfect for curious nature lovers and first-time foragers. Presented by Hoosier Forager.
For even more information and updates, check HEPL’s Bright Ideas email newsletter, visit the Seed Library webpage for a complete list of plants, watch HEPL’s social media, or email us for more information at [email protected].