Virtual Gardening Series
The Library has offered online sessions in partnership with the Vancouver Island Master Gardener’s Association since 2021. Master Gardeners provide education on a volunteer basis to the public using current, science-based horticultural knowledge and integrated pest management practices to ensure the advice we offer exemplifies environmentally responsible practices and stewardship.
Our Seed Libraries
Locations
- Bella Coola
- Most seeds are from a generous donation by West Coast Seeds. Locally collected seeds can also be donated: seeds grown using isolation distances and techniques will be added to the seed library for others to “take out” while seeds grown without using isolation will be offered with the warning that they may have been cross-pollinated with another plant.
- Each seed library packet contains just a few seeds. Help yourself to any of the packets but we ask that you take one just one of each type of plant.
- Each packet contains growing instructions or they can be found in the slot with the seed packets.
- Sign out the type of seed you want to grow. If you hope to save seeds, take a seed-saving sheet with information about isolation distances and the different types of saving techniques. Donate some!
- The seed library is open during library hours only.
- Campbell River – Seeds purchased by the branch, as well as donated by West Coast Seeds and patrons. Restocked every Friday while donations and supplies last.
- Up to 3 packets of seeds per visit. We suggest taking photos of the seed packet (where available) to have the planting and other info at hand.
- Bring back some seed to keep our library stocked! Take a seed library donation form or speak to a librarian.
- Option 1: If you are fairly knowledgeable about things like open pollination, the specific pollination needs of your chosen plant and variety, etc., we would be delighted to have your seed donations!
- Option 2:Â We encourage all members to learn basic seed saving techniques and that beginning seed savers start with plants that are annual, self pollinating (require little to no isolation), and need only a few plants to reliably produce seeds. For example, tomatoes, peas, beans, lettuce, and peppers.
- Option 3: No idea what you’re doing? Or feeling like that is too much pressure? Bring us the unused parts of seed packets you’ve purchased. Ideally these would be open-pollinated and non-GMO seeds.
- Courtenay
- Details coming soon! Or call the branch to find out.
- Creativity Commons in Nanaimo
- Details coming soon! Â Or call the branch to find out.
- Gabriola Island – Seeds are all by donation from customers
- Browse our seed collection – organized alphabetically
- Borrow up to 3 packets of seeds per visit
- Fill in our Sign Out Sheet with the date, your library card #, and number of packets taken
- Please donate back to our seed library when you can!
- Nanaimo North -Seeds purchased by the branch, as well as donated by West Coast Seeds.
- Start your own Seed Library Sign Out Sheet.
- Choose up to 3 packets of seeds per visit. We suggest taking photos of the seed packet (where available) to have the planting and other info at hand.
- Record the varieties of seed that you take.
- Bring back some seed to keep our library stocked! Record it on the Seed Library Donor List.*
- Option 1: If you are fairly knowledgeable about things like open pollination, the specific pollination needs of your chosen plant and variety, etc., we would be delighted to have your seed donations!
- Option 2:Â We encourage all members to learn basic seed saving techniques and that beginning seed savers start with plants that are annual, self pollinating (require little to no isolation), and need only a few plants to reliably produce seeds. For example, tomatoes, peas, beans, lettuce, and peppers.
- Option 3: No idea what you’re doing? Or feeling like that is too much pressure? Bring us the unused parts of seed packets you’ve purchased. Ideally these would be open-pollinated and non-GMO seeds.
- Port Hardy, in partnership with the Mt. Waddington Community Food Initiative.
- BORROW: Choose up to three packets of seeds.
- LEARN: Take a resource list, borrow a book, watch a video about gardening.
- GROW: Plant the seeds in your garden!
- SAVE: When you harvest your vegetables, fruits, or grains, save some seeds. Rinse your saved seeds and store them in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
- CHECK IN: Bring some saved seeds to the Seed Library to be checked in. And check out more seeds if you want. Questions? Staff at the front desk will be happy to help.
- Sandspit
- Details coming soon! Or call the branch to find out.
- Sooke
- Details coming soon! Or call the branch to find out.
- Tahsis
- Details coming soon! Or call the branch to find out.
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