Who We Are

The Door County Seed Library is a volunteer-run seed lending and garden education program that offers free open-pollinated vegetable, herb, flower, and native seeds that members can ‘borrow’ to plant and grow in their home gardens.

Our goals are to help people become successful gardeners and seed savers, increase our sustainability and capacity to grow wholesome food, and foster a culture of sharing.

We a collaborative project of the Door County Library, Door County Master Gardeners Association, The Community’s Garden, Extension Door County, and Wild Ones of the Door Peninsula. And volunteers like you!

History

We’d like to take a moment to let you know a little bit about us…

Penne Wilson, a Door County Master Gardener Volunteer, came up with the concept of a Door County Seed Library in 2018 after reading an article about the Appleton Seed Library in Edible Door magazine. Everything clicked – what better way to contribute to our community than by reconnecting people to the centuries-long traditions of gardening and seed saving?!

We held a public planning/input session in August 2018 and connected with many interested community gardeners and growers who embraced the concept. Before long, the core team of collaborative partners and volunteers had been formed. Our all-volunteer planning team defines and oversees the key elements of our free seed library. We hosted the launch of this new community resource in March 2019 at the Sturgeon Bay Library.

During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021, we offered our seeds via pre-packaged seed bundles. In 2022, we started offering our seeds through all eight Door County Library branches, as well as at several community events.

FAQs

Where are you located?

We distribute our seeds through the following Door County Library branches:

Baileys Harbor, 920-839-2210
Egg Harbor, 920-868-2664
Ephraim, 920-854-2014
Fish Creek, 920-868-3471
Forestville, 920-856-6886
Sister Bay-Liberty Grove, 920-854-2721
Sturgeon Bay, 920-746-7121
Washington Island, 920-847-2323

Where do your seeds come from?

Our seeds come from several sources: 1) many have been generously donated by several seed companies, including Seed Savers Exchange, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, High Mowing Organic Seeds, Burpee, and Prairie Moon Nursery; 2) we purchase our “core” seeds in bulk from various seed companies; 3) seed “borrowers” donate their harvested seeds; and 4) community members donate leftover commercial seeds. Seeds are packaged and prepared by volunteers for distribution through our seed sharing program.

What seeds are available?

Due to our reliance on seed donations, our seed inventory varies from year to year and even through the course of a growing season. We always strive to offer a variety of vegetable, herb, flowers, and native seeds. Around March of each year, our volunteers provide each library branch with an inventory of available seeds for their seed cabinets.

How does it work?

We will reopen our seed libraries at all Door County Library branches on March 18, 2024.

If you are not already a member, fill out our online membership form (you only need to do this once).
Starting March 18, you can go to your nearest library branch.
Peruse the seed packet inventory and select your desired seeds. (To help maintain our seed library, we ask that you only take the seeds that you will plant this year in your personal garden.)
Plant your seeds in your garden.
Grow a bounty of vegetables and flowers and share with your friends and neighbors!

Do I have to return seeds?

There is no obligation to save and return seeds, especially if you are new to seed saving. As you grow as a gardener and a seed saver, we hope that you will consider sharing your seeds with the seed library community. When our community saves and shares seeds, we help to create seeds that are better adapted to our unique climate and soils.

New to seed saving?

We recommend you start with these easy-to-save seeds: common beans, peas, lettuce, and tomatoes. These annual, self-pollinating seeds are great for beginners and it’s very easy to produce plants like the ones you planted. Other seeds require a bit of planning to ensure that the seeds remain pure. While you are free to grow and enjoy these seeds, we recommend that you learn about more advanced seed saving techniques before saving seeds from other crop types.

How do I donate seeds?

We gladly accept the following seeds: flowers, herbs, and these easy-to-save veggies: common beans, peas, lettuce, and tomatoes. Complete a Seed Donation Form (located on the Resources tab), filling out as much information as you know about the variety. Place your clean seeds in a labeled, well-sealed envelope and drop them off along with the completed Seed Donation Form at one of these library branches:

Baileys Harbor Library
Sturgeon Bay Library