By Rebecca F., Public Services Librarian & Seed Library Team Member
We hope you are having a totally rad-ish time starting up your gardens this spring season! The Seed Library team and volunteers have been working hard to ensure that seeds are stocked and ready for you at both library locations.
Monkey the bird helping with seed packing (Photo from Michele P)
Unfortunately, we are out of stock or will soon be out of stock of a few seed varieties. For example, Lavender: Munstead is out of stock for the 2025 season, but lettuce romaine calm because the majority of seed varieties are still available!
If your community group, school, or HOA 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.
We welcome your donated seeds! We ask that patrons do not donate varieties like squash and pumpkins that cross-pollinate easily. We have a short donation form that you can fill out at the donation table near the Seed Library, and we ask that you turn forms and donations in at the lobby desk.
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!
Soil Blocking Gardening Technique
If you’re like me, I like to stay tuned in to the latest trends that correlate to my interests. This week when driving home, I listened to a fascinating NPR segment on the radio talking about a new gardening craze: soil blocking. It seems to be kind of a big dill within the gardening community.
Soil Blocker
Soil blocking is a seed-starting technique where a special soil mix is packed into cubes using a soil blocker tool, kind of like the functionality of an ice cube tray you use at home. The tool creates free-standing blocks of soil.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable and efficient way to start your seeds, soil blocking could be the perfect solution. This technique eliminates the need for plastic pots, reduces transplant shock, and promotes healthier root development.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, soil blocking offers a simple yet effective method to grow your plants from the very start, helping you give your garden the best foundation possible!
For more information about soil blocking, explore this blog from a fellow gardener.
Have you tried this technique? What were the results? Or thinking of trying this technique for the first time? Send us an email to let us know!
Upcoming Gardening Programs
Bee-Friendly Gardens: Cultivating a Buzzing Haven
Thursday May 1 | 6:30-7:30pm | Fishers Library
Join us for this seminar to learn how to create environments that support the health and well-being of pollinators. Presented by Skyler Majors, owner of Wildflower Ridge Honey Farm. Registration required. Adults only.
Gardening Help & Resources
The library has a large gardening book collection! Feel free to explore these books in our nonfiction section or search here for your specific topics. There is also a gardening books display located right next to the Seed Library at Fishers and in the lobby at Noblesville.
Watch some Gardening with Kathy videos on YouTube for great info on everything from starting seeds indoors to saving seeds and all gardening needs in between.
Did you know the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District has a gardening tool loan program? Check out their website for more info!
Garden questions? Contact the Hamilton County Master Gardeners Association’s Education Center at [email protected].
Happy Gardening!