The GCC Seed Library is located on display shelves near the north entrance of the Nahman-Watson Library. Anyone can patronize the seed library – GCC students and staff, as well as members of the public. 

1. Select seeds from drawers. You may select as many varieties as you like but may only take one packet, per variety.

2. Fill out a patron form (paper or online). These forms help us collect data we use to make the seed library better. Use the QR code on the display to fill out an electronic form, or fill out a paper form and hand it in at the front desk. 

3. You are encouraged to return clean, saved seeds to the library. These seeds will be made available during the next growing season – donors will be acknowledged on seed envelope labels. Seeds should be returned in a clearly labeled (variety name and date seeds were collected) envelope or container. Returning seeds is not required but encouraged!

We encourage participants to engage in the cycle of sustainability by saving seeds from their gardens and contributing them back to the library. This practice not only ensures the ongoing enrichment of our seed collection but also plays a crucial role in preserving plant genetic diversity. Donated seeds will be made available during the next growing season and donors will be acknowledged on seed envelope labels. We invite you to pledge to return seeds to the seed library in 2024. This pledge is simply you saying, “I’m going to make an effort to return seeds to the seed library this year.” You get to decide what seeds you want to collect and return, how much, and when you return them. How do I pledge to return seeds to the GCC Seed Library?

1. Peruse our seed collection and help yourself to the seeds of your choice.
2. Indicate on the patron form if you would like to pledge to return seeds.
3. Take a seed pledge reminder card and put it somewhere visible in your home.

Seed library organizers will reach out periodically to check in, and offer seed collection support. Drop off seed donations anytime during regular library service hours. Thank you for helping us sustain this resource and helping us build community!

Seeds collected from your garden:
We welcome donations of seeds collected from your garden. Please ensure the following: the seeds come from open-pollinated plants + they are clean, dry, are in an envelope or zip lock bag, and are labeled (with variety and approximate date of collection).  You can drop donations off at the front desk of the library anytime during regular service hours. You’ll be asked to fill out a seed donation intake form during drop off. If your seeds originated from the GCC Seed Library they will be added to our seed inventory and distributed the following year. Seeds that did not orginate from our seed library will be placed in a basket and offered to the community separately. Not sure how to collect seeds from your garden? Attend one of our Seed Saving workshops, reach out to us with questions, or check out these basic resources from Seed Savers Exchange:

• Seed Saving Basics webpage
• Webinar: Seed Saving for Beginners

Commercial seeds:
Do you have left over commercial seeds you’d like to share with other growers? We accept donations of new or open packets of commercial seeds. These seeds will be placed in a basket and offered to the community.

2024 Seed List.docx
Note: We have a very limited selection of seed as of May – mostly bean and radish varieties. We will replenish our stock in March 2025. Happy growing!

We offer periodic workshops designed to cultivate community bonds while imparting valuable knowledge on a range of gardening practices, such as seed saving and seed starting. These workshops are hosted on campus and led by Anthony Reiber, natural resources special program coordinator.

Fall 2024 Workshops

Seed Saving Workshop: Wednesday, October 9, noon-1 PM
Join us for a hands-on introductory seed saving workshop with Anthony Reiber, GCC Natural Resources Programs Coordinator. Discover the essentials of seed saving, including which vegetable and flower seeds are easiest to save, along with practical tips on how to collect, clean, and store them. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is perfect for anyone with a curiosity for gardening or an interest in sustainable gardening practices. Participants will be able to take a selection of seeds home. Everyone is welcome…come grow with us!

Native Perennial Seed Saving: Wednesday, November 6, noon PM
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the art of saving seeds from native perennial plants. Led by Anthony Reiber, GCC Natural Resources Programs Coordinator, this workshop will cover everything from identifying and collecting seeds to processing, drying, and storing them for future planting. You’ll also receive practical tips on cold stratification, sowing, and germinating. Participants will have the opportunity to collect seeds from our outdoor learning lab. By saving seeds from native plants, you help preserve local biodiversity, support pollinators, and contribute to healthier, more resilient ecosystems. Everyone is welcome…come grow with us!

We host an annual kickoff and plant swap every March to celebrate the impending arrival of spring. We replenish our seed inventory on this day and also host a plant swap. The kickoff and plant swap are open to all!

The plant swap takes place in the library and is a self-serve event. Participants are invited to leave a plant and/or take a plant. You are not required to contribute to the swap in order to take an item. Instructions:

• The plant swap is hosted in the library. We accept contributions year-round. You can also bring contributions to the event itself.
• Indoor/outdoor plants, cuttings, divisions, etc. are welcome.
• Items should be pest-free and healthy.
• Items can be cuttings, potted or bare root. Bare root items should be wrapped to contain soil—the library has newspaper available.
• Labels are provided.
• Have fun!

The GCC Seed Library launched in the spring of 2015. It was the brainchild of librarian Hope Schneider and science faculty member Anthony Reiber, with startup money provided by the Nahman-Watson Library and the science department’s SAGE program (Sustainable Agriculture and Green Energy).

Librarians and Reiber toured the seed library at Hampshire College, a project launched by one of their students, during the planning phase. Science department interns and library student workers joined the effort, and continue to support the work of the seed library by sorting and packaging seeds, and also caring for plants offered during our annual plant swap. The seed library was initially open only to GCC students and staff but has since expanded to offer seeds to anyone from the community.