The Seed Library will OPEN for the 2024 season on FridAy, March 15th
There are a limited number of seeds in our library, and seeds will only be available until the current supply is exhausted. We hope you enjoy!
How to Use the Seed Library
You must have a valid North Brunswick Library Card to use the Seed Library.
You may take a maximum of 6 seed packets per visit per patron.
You may ask for the Seed Binder at the Circulation Desk. The Seed Binder contains empty seed packets for plant images, planting information, and more.
To identify seeds that are currently available please consult the North Brunswick Seed Library Catalog below.
This is updated regularly, though it WILL NOT perfectly reflect seed availability. This may mean that some seeds will be listed as available when they no longer are.
Please get a Seed Library Checkout Form from the Circulation Desk or Seed Library display. Write down which seed packets you would like to check out using the form and bring it to the Circulation desk to retrieve your seeds.
Seeds are free to take and do NOT need to be returned. We encourage Seed Saving for your own use in future years, however we do not accept seed donations. Some seed packets are labeled with colored circles which indicate how easy it is to save seeds from that plant:
Super Easy - Green circle: With light instruction the seeds from these plants can be saved by gardeners of any skill level.
Easy - Orange or Yellow circle: Not recommended for first time seed savers. These plants will require some more research, careful spacing, and patience.
We do not recommend saving seeds from packets without a distinction unless you are experienced in seed saving.
North Brunswick Seed Library Catalog
The North Brunswick Public Library Seed Library was created through a partnership with Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, Burpee Seed Company, Park Seed, Sow Right Seeds, and Victory Seed Company.
Library Resources
Books by Dewey Decimal
631.875 - Composting & mulch
634 - Fruits
635 - Vegetables
635 - Edible landscaping
635.0484 - Organic gardening
635.0974 - NJ gardening
635.7 - Herbs
635.9 - Flowers
635.986 - Container gardening
712.6 - Landscape gardening
J 635 - Gardening with children
Seed Saving
What is Seed Saving? Seed Saving is the practice of saving seeds from vegetables, herbs, and flowers for use from year to year. This is where Heirloom seeds come from! You are welcome to donate saved seeds to the library at then end of the year, though it is not required.
Check the North Brunswick Library for seed saving books, or use one of the resources below:
Gardening Resources
Rutgers Master Gardeners RU Ready 2 Garden Webinar Series: This is a YouTube playlist with tips about gardening for new to experience gardeners.
Master Gardener Helpline, Middlesex County Master Gardeners: Rutgers Extension staff and volunteers will answer your horticultural inquiries. They can be reached by phone at 732-398-5220 or email at mastergardeners@co.middlesex.nj.us. Currently, callers should leave a detailed message and contact to receive a personal call back.
The North Brunswick Community Garden has land plots available to reserve, though spaces fill fast!