Seed Saving with Haywood County Public Library

Scarlet Runner Beans
Scarlet Runner Beans

Building a seed saving community…
one packet at a time!

Guest Post
by
Kathy Olsen

Since the creation of The Seed Lending Library of Waynesville in March of this year, I have witnessed what I had only hoped would be true.  And that is an overwhelmingly positive response and enthusiastic participation from the people in our community.

I had heard about seed lending libraries in Colorado, Arizona and California, and when the community was described, it sounded so much like ours I had high hopes that it would be successful here. What seemed to be necessary for success was an interest in issues of self-sufficiency, an awareness of the importance of eating whole foods and a desire to protect heirloom vegetables that are unique to one’s area.  From March until early June, not a day went by without at least one person checking out seeds!

Scarlet Runner Seeds
Scarlet Runner Seeds

The true test of the sustainability of this project and the commitment of the community will be in the return of the seeds.  The library has educated the public about the ‘why’ and the ‘how-to’ of seed saving through several (free) classes taught by local experts such as Lee Barnes, Kathleen Lamont and various Master Gardener Volunteers.  So, I am hopeful that there will be a great return of seeds, even though it’s only our first year.

Let me share why I think this is important for our community:

  1. Humans have been saving seeds for over 12,000 years.  But the last hundred years or so we have lost much of that knowledge, and along with it, some of our plant diversity.  When you grow your own plants and save your own seeds, you will develop plants that are well suited to your climate. 
  2. Preserving our plant diversity is important!  Biodiversity leaves us less vulnerable to disasters (think potato famine in Ireland).  We also want to protect the diversity of plants because of taste.  If you compare a grocery store tomato to one that you grew yourself, there will be no question that tomatoes bred to withstand travel have inferior taste!

  3. The Haywood County Public Library wants to remain an integral part of this community.  We strive to remain relevant and necessary, and this program helps us to create a culture of sharing through education about seed saving and gardening.  It’s just one more great reason to visit your local library today!

Stop by and explore our seed project!
– Kathy Olsen

Mobile Seed Lending Library
Mobile Seed Lending Library

For more information, contact:

Kathy Olsen
Adult Services Librarian
Haywood  County Public Library
828.356.2507 • KOlsen@haywoodnc.net

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