How it works

Drawers with labels identifying seed in the collection The seed library at U of T Scarborough Library is a shared service for taking and donating seeds.

It supports gardening, sustainability, and community learning.

You can take seeds at no cost. Take what you need and leave some for others.

If you grow plants from the seeds, you are encouraged to save seeds and return them to the library.

Seed supply changes throughout the year based on the growing cycle:

Seeds are available in February and March in time for planting
You grow your plants over the summer
You save some seeds from your plants in September and August to donate back to the seed library
Seed packing takes place over fall and winter - look out for our seed packing workshops!

Not all plants follow this cycle. Check growing instructions for your seeds.

Our Partners

The seed library was developed in partnership with U of T Scarborough Edible Campus and the U of T Scarborough Campus Farm.

Learn more

You can find books on gardening and seed saving at U of T Scarborough Library.

You can also explore online resources and community organizations to learn more about gardening and seed saving.

Books about seed saving in our collection

The Complete Guide to Saving Seeds: 322 Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, Flowers, Trees, and Shrubs
How to Save Your Own Seeds: A Handbook for Small-Scale Seed Production
The Manual of Seed Saving: Harvesting, Storing, and Sowing Techniques for Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits
The Seed Garden: The Art and Practice of Seed Saving
Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners

Books about gardening in our collection

Educational resources

Seed starting [webinar]
Breaking new ground: The case for seed libraries in the academic library [journal article]
Planning for seed saving [blog post]
40 reasons to save seeds [blog post]
Seed saving [list of websites]

Organizations

Other U of T seed libraries

OISE Library seed library
Gerstein garden and seed library

Seed Library at U of T Scarborough Library

How to access

Eligibility

More information

Associated libraries: