[Michlib-l] Seed library - how many seeds

[Pam Quackenbush]

Wendy makes a good point. It is difficult when requesting seeds from seed
companies to specify that you only want open-pollinated seeds.
Consequently, we end up with some every year. There is nothing inherently
wrong with hybrids other than from a seed-saving standpoint, so if I put
them in the seed library I just put a little sticker on it saying "Hybrid
seeds - Not for seed saving." Same as when I get a donation of, say,
butternut squash. Did that person use proper isolation techniques? If I
don't know for sure, there's another sticker for that: "Possible cross -
may not be true to type." Some people don't mind the adventure of seeing
what will grow.

Pam Quackenbush
Lyon Township Public Library
27005 Milford Road
South Lyon, MI 48178
248-437-8800 ext 617
pquackenbush at ltpl.org


On Thu, Mar 20, 2025 at 11:34 AM Wendy Chapman <
w.chapman at buchananlibrary.org> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> I wanted to add just one thing that I have chosen to do with our seed
> library here.  We do not accept donations of any hybrid seeds.  The reason
> for this is that seeds produced by hybrid plants will not necessarily grow
> true to type the following season.  So, to avoid any confusion since our
> purpose is to teach seed saving and sustainability with our programming we
> don't muddy the waters.  Hybrid seeds should be clearly identified on
> commercial packaging with either an F1 or F2 in the name of the seed.  Here
> is an example of something I would not purchase or accept as a donation:
>
>
> https://trueleafmarket.com/products/tomato-seeds-celebration-f1?variant=39456157171827&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-e6-BhDmARIsAOxxlxX6L-hXMKKFBDk-nEr4PNkovXr1laGzs2CbXn3CfGBjeytymGRId4gaAnfvEALw_wcB
>
> I think in the three seasons we have had a seed library this has only come
> up once, but still something to be aware of as you develop your procedure.
>
> Happy Planting!
>
> Wendy
>
> Wendy L. Chapman
> LoT Coordinator
> Buchanan District Library
> 269.695.3681  Ext. 16
> *www.buchananlibrary.org <http://www.buchananlibrary.org>*
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 9:01 PM Pam Quackenbush via Michlib-l <
> michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:
>
>> Happy to jump in on this! At my seed library we accept donations from
>> businesses, seed companies, seed swaps, and home gardeners. Part of the
>> mission of our seed library is to educate the public about saving seeds and
>> encouraging them to grow for the seed library to help it become
>> self-sustaining.
>> The amount of donations ebbs and flows, but has been quite strong the
>> last few years. We support the seed library with lots of programming.
>>
>> I try to estimate how many seeds per packet based on how many seeds will
>> produce something to eat and hopefully they can save a few seeds and
>> increase the quantity. These are sample packets, not enough to grow a giant
>> garden. We have to share the wealth with as many people as possible.
>> Beans and peas 20 per pack. Same for corn, enough to grow a block of (4)
>> 4' rows
>> Squash, cucumbers, melons - enough for 2 hills or 4 feet of trellis so
>> about 10 seeds
>> Packets of small seeds like carrots and lettuce get a healthy pinch that
>> usually has 30-40 seeds
>> Beets, chard, parsnips around 16-20, enough for a 4' row.
>> Okra, roselle, sunflowers 10 or so.
>> Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, peppers: 8-12
>> Most flowers at least 10-15.
>> Scarce items less, but if you get a gallon ziploc of something you can be
>> more generous or share with another seed library.
>>
>> --
>> Pam Quackenbush
>> Lyon Township Public Library
>> 27005 Milford Road
>> South Lyon, MI 48178
>> 248-437-8800 ext 617
>> pquackenbush at ltpl.org
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 1:42 PM North Adams Library via Michlib-l <
>> michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:
>>
>>> If your library offers a Seed Library, do you accept donations of seeds
>>> as part of the program?
>>>
>>> And if so, what kinds are accepted?
>>> -Seeds in an unopened packet
>>> -Seeds from your own garden
>>> -Seeds that remain from the original packets you pick up at the library?
>>>
>>> Thank you!
>>> Mariele
>>>
>>> Mariele Busch
>>> Library Director
>>> North Adams Community Memorial Library
>>> 4695 Knowles Rd, North Adams
>>> 517-287-4426
>>> northadamslibrarian at gmail.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 9:02 PM Helena Hayes via Michlib-l <
>>> michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>> For those of you who have a seed library, how many seeds do you include
>>>> in each pack?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks.
>>>>
>>>> Helena
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Helena Hayes, MLIS
>>>>
>>>> Director
>>>>
>>>> Galesburg Charleston Memorial District Library
>>>>
>>>> 188 E. Michigan Ave.
>>>>
>>>> Galesburg, MI 49053
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Phone: 269-665-7839
>>>>
>>>> Fax: 269-665-7788
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> www.galesburgcharlestonlibrary.org
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