Do I need to be a Library Cardholder to take/donate seeds?
No, anyone can 'check-out' seeds from our Seed Library. We ask that you take only what you intend to plant and donate some harvested seeds back when you're done.
Will the Seed Library be available year-round?
Yes, we will maintain our Seed Library year-round. It's up to our borrowers to read the growing instructions to ensure you are planting them at the correct time of year.
How many seeds can I take at a time?
As many as you believe you will need.
Are there requirements for donating seeds?
Please complete a Seed Donation Form (available here), including the type of seed, if it was grown and harvested on the Outer Banks, how the seeds have been stored since harvesting, and the date they were harvested. We will not share Seed Donor information, unless you would like to share your information for others to contact to you.
Is there a cost to participate in the Seed Library?
There is ZERO cost for taking seeds from our Seed Library; this is a Free service on offer from the Dare County Library. Funding is generously provided by the Dare County Library Foundation; seeds to initially start-up the Seed Library were donated by Kellogg's Supply, Co.
Do you provide supplies for starting seeds?
We provide seeds and free resources to support growing seeds in the form of books and handouts. We do not provide seed growing supplies.
You can pick up free coffee grounds to add nutrients to your growing soil at The Front Porch Cafe locations in Kill Devil Hills and Manteo.
Are there growing instructions?
Yes, all seeds have growing instructions available on a convenient index card.
How many seeds are in an envelope?
That depends on the size of the seeds and the number needed to grow a reasonable harvest. Each seed envelope has the estimated number of seeds contained therein and the growing instructions are based on those numbers.
What if I need help or advice?
We recommend starting with our books on growing from seeds, these handouts, and the NC Extension Dare County Master Gardeners who can be reached at 252-473-4290 and greenlineobx@gmail.com.