Take A Seed, Give A Seed

    With the weather and soil warming, the time is at ‘hand’ for those with green thumbs to get in their gardens. And for those who are on the hunt for garden items, the Britton Public Library has a new service that could provide help. The library has started a seed exchange program where they are offering free seeds to patrons for their gardens.
    The idea originated with Assistant Library Director Shelly Kann. Kann, who is an avid gardener herself, had had the seed exchange library in the back of her head for a while. “I have seen other libraries do it,” she noted. “When I was traveling, I stopped at a library in Nashville that had a seed exchange, and I asked the staff about it.”
    Kann also says she was inspired by last year’s South Dakota One Book selection “The Seed Keeper” by Diane Wilson. The book features a storyline that included heirloom seeds, which are seeds that have been passed down through generations. The story hit home for Kann who regularly plants her family’s own heirloom seeds, zinnias passed down from her grandmother Bena Hagen. 
Kann said that the seed exchange idea was on her ‘wish list’ for new programs that she wanted to try when new Britton Library Director Sonya Lang took over a few years ago. And this spring, it has finally happened.
    Here’s how it works. Library patrons (you must have a Britton Library card) can come in and get a packet of seeds for free. There are many varieties of flowers and some produce. Options include zinnias, black eyed Susans, four o’clocks, green beans, dill, squash and others. 
    Patrons will then be invited to plant the seeds in their own gardens. The librarians add that there are many reference books if people need help, plus they are happy to give advice. The library also works with master gardeners who would be wealths of knowledge. 
    In the spirit of a seed ‘exchange,’ the program also seeks to have gardeners give back seeds in the fall. “We want people to share the seeds that they harvest from their own gardens,” explains Kann. They understand that this might be a new concept for people, but they have information available for how to go about this process. They explain how to dry, clean and save seeds. There are some standards as far as avoiding hybridization, etc. that the librarians can explain in person. 
    The library ladies acknowledge that not everyone may end up returning seeds, and that is ok. “We aren’t going to fine you or penalize you if you don’t have seeds to give back,” said Lang. “We just want people to try it.” 
    Ultimately, the staff hopes that the seed exchange provides a good learning opportunity for both seasoned and new gardeners, especially young ones. “I think all kids should get their hands in the dirt,” emphasized Kann. “And this is a good way to try it without spending much money.” 
For more information on the seed exchange, stop by the Britton Public Library or give them a call at 605-448-2800.