501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
Bloom where you’re planted, even in your own backyard
Spring is, well, in the process of springing. Birds are chirping and things are starting to sprout. But you haven’t planted anything? We can solve that. You might not know it, but in addition to books and digital media, CALS also has a library of things you can check out, including a seed library. It calls the Sidney S. McMath branch off of John Barrow Road its home.
In a recent article by Garden and Gun, they discussed another pandemic shortage: seeds! Making our seed library that much more valuable. Whether you’re looking to start a small window garden of herbs or a more ambitious raised garden bed, or maybe you’re already a pro and just want to expand your collection of native plants, you can find what you need in our seed library. Locally grown are more resilient and accustomed to our growing conditions, and therefore more likely to thrive.
According to the U of A Division of Agriculture, March is when you should be planting cabbage, cauliflower, radishes, turnips, broccoli, asparagus, onions, spinach and english peas. April they recommend adding things like watermelon, cantaloupes and corn. Check out their full year calendar of what you should be planting and when.
What’s the catch? There is a small catch, when you become a member of the seed library and “check out” seeds, you must replace them. We encourage gardeners to grow plants then harvest the seed and return those to the library. If you are unable to do so, a package of non-GMO seeds is requested as a replacement.
The initial stock of the Seed Library was supplied by a generous donation from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Ann Green with Healing Waters. The Seed Library joins our other innovative lending collections including tools, toys, telescopes, birdwatching kits, and musical instruments. For more information on these collections, call 501-918-3000.
