Santa Fe Seed Library

Santa Fe Seed Library at the Southside Branch Library

In partnership with the Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners, each Spring, the Santa Fe Seed Library at the Southside Branch Library (6599 Jaguar Dr.), and many mini seed libraries throughout the area, is a resource for patrons to check out a variety of seeds to grow in their own yards. Because many of the Seed Library patrons will be new to gardening and especially to growing and saving seeds, the Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners have arranged to provide education support and free workshops on a number or relevant topics.

Photo credit: Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners

Seed Library Support and Workshops

In partnership with the Santa Fe Public Library, Seed Stewards will put on educational events virtually (or in-person when safe) for the public during peak planting and harvesting times. Topics include how to start and transplant seeds; soil building and raised beds; how to select, collect, and save seeds; seed exchanges; seed storing; drip irrigation techniques, botany and breeding. Workshop schedules will be posted on both the SFPL and SFEMG websites. Seed Stewards will work with SFPL to create posters, flyers, brochures, booklets and digital resources to provide how-to information and support to the public on seeds and seed stewardship. Materials will be available at the Seed Library and online.

What Are Locally-Adapted Seeds and Why are they Important?

Open-pollinated seeds versus hybridized or genetically-modified seeds that have evolved over numerous growing seasons or perhaps even thousands of years are inherently more bio-diverse, giving them the ability to thrive in a specific regional climate, geography, and hydrology. Furthermore, this biodiversity is like a built-in insurance policy that enables adaptability to climatic change, and will be hardy and resistant to environmental stresses that would fell plants from seed imported from other regions or countries.