Site Navigation Menu
The Camden Seed Library was made possible by generous donations from Plants Unlimited in Rockport, and Fedco Seeds.
The Camden Seed Library Currently provides vegetable, fruit, ornamental, and herb seeds for members of the community, and serves as a local repository to both donate and take seeds for cultivation. Seeds are available for many plants that are suited best for the spring and summer growing seasons, as well as some seeds that are suitable for the fall growing season. The seeds in the seed library have come from a variety of different places, including seed companies, librarians, and members of the community that have donated seeds to the seed library.
The Camden Seed Library is located on the first floor, in the rotunda next to the circulation desk.
Would you like to take some seeds from the seed library for your own garden? Follow the steps below to check out the seeds you want to take!
1. Find Seeds
Seeds are organized alphabetically by type, and then by specific variety within that type. Looking for tomatoes? Head to the T’s! Looking for Lacinato Kale? Head to ‘K’ for kale, and then look for ‘lacinato’ in the kale section!
2. Take Seeds
Please limit yourself to a maximum of three packages per visit, and one package per variety per visit. This way, we have enough to share with everyone.
3. Seed Check-Out
One you have selected the seeds you want to take, fill out the ‘Seed Check-Out Sheet’ with the requested information about the seed packages you are taking with you.
Once you’ve finished filling out the ‘Seed Check-Out Sheet’ for the seed packages you want, you’ll have some new seeds to plant in your garden!
Whether you have extra packages of seeds or have saved seeds from your own plants, we’d love your donations!
1. Seed Donation Form
Please fill out one of the ‘Seed Donation Forms’ found on the Camden Seed Library table. You are welcome to use some of the packets available on the table to package your seeds.
2. Circulation Desk Drop-Off
After you have completed a ‘Seed Donation Form’, drop off your donation with the completed donation form at the Circulation Desk.
That’s it! Your donated seeds will then be added to the seed library, available for others to take and plant in their gardens!
For a physical guide for further information about growing specific seeds, planting times in Maine, seed saving, and other gardening resources, check out our Resource Binder. (Copies of pages in the binder can be made at the circulation desk for 15 cents per page.)
Take a look at this spreadsheet to see what seeds we currently have in stock at the Camden Seed Library! (Please note that despite our best efforts to update this chart as often as possible, the seed library’s current inventory may differ from what is listed on the seed chart.)
Want to stay up-to-date on Camden Seed Library events, new seeds, and more? Sign up for our occasional e-mailing list! Find a physical sign-up sheet located on the clipboard on the right side of the seed library table, or sign up below. We’d love to stay in touch!
Organization
Seeds are organized by type, and then specific variety within that type. Looking for tomatoes? Head to the T’s! Looking for Lacinato Kale? Head to ‘K’ for kale, and then look for ‘lacinato’!
Planting Calendars
For more information about when to plant your crops where you live, check out this handy calendar made by the Farmer’s Almanac!
Or for a calendar with a more general estimate, check out this MOFGA Seed Planting Calendar!
Seed Library Books
The books found at the seed library table do circulate, so you are welcome to check them out at the Circulation Desk!
Seed Saving Resources
For guides on how to save multiple different varieties of seeds and more, take a look at any of the linked resources listed here:
DIY Seed Envelopes
Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own seed packages to easily save, store, and organize your seeds! (We recommend using a 6in x 6in square of paper, to make an
average size seed packet with the best results.)
