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Hamden Library Seed Library Update – March 2026
The spring seed library is up and running! We have seen lots of activity and have a good selection of ornamental, herb, and veggie seeds. Many of the seeds are donated and are from the previous year; but courtesy of the Friends of Hamden Library we were able to purchase some highly desirable seeds as well. We also welcome local gardeners to share their seeds with us. Yes, we have ground cherry seeds, but no loofa at the moment.
There is still a great selection of seeds. Wait too long, though, and you may be disappointed in the remaining selection. Yes, we have ground cherry seeds, but no loofa at the moment.
We staff the seed library with experienced gardeners twice a week, and from time to time demonstrate various gardening techniques.
Dates: Whenever Miller Library is open, from February 2 – June 6
Staffed: Thursdays, from 1-4:30 p.m., February 5 – June 4
Saturdays, from 2-4:30 p.m., February 7 – June 6
Seed Library Spring Gardening Series:
The remaining three workshops in this series are coming up. Register for the first one now, and be on the lookout for a registration link for the others a few weeks ahead of the workshop date.
Cool Weather Crops, and Growing Garlic
Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This workshop covers how and when to plant cool weather crops as well as how and when to plant, harvest and cure garlic. Learn about starting your garden as soon as the soil thaws, even in the middle of March! Cool weather crops don’t mind the cold, so you can get a jump on the season; planting early means harvesting earlier and longer.
Garlic is a three-season crop, planted in late fall and harvested the following summer. Get tips for a successful crop from a professional garlic grower. Note: this will be the only garlic workshop this year.
Warm Weather Crops
Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This workshop covers everything you need to know about warm weather crops: how to make the best of our short growing season; which crops are best started indoors and which can be directly seeded into the ground; and what conditions and fertilizers each crop prefers for the best yield.
Pests & Diseases, Herbs & Flowers In the Vegetable Garden
Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Garden pests and diseases can harm your crops and lessen your harvest potential. This workshop features the most common pests and diseases and the steps you can take to minimize damage. Knowing the bad insects from the good will also help you attract and keep the good insects while repelling the bad.
Certain flowers and herbs are valuable additions to the vegetable garden. They can help attract pollinators and beneficial insects to help keep your garden healthy and productive.
Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Library
The Seed Library will be participating in Earth Day, giving out baby plants for you to nurture at home. In addition,
Walk & Talk at 1 p.m.,
Seed Library co-founder Jim Sirch will point out early spring growth in the large stormwater garden in Town Center Park, between the library complex and the middle school.
Our Continual Thanks
The Seed Library would like to thank The Friends of Hamden Library, NewAlliance Foundation, The Greater New Haven Green Fund, and The Hamden Land Conservation Trust for their generous support and guidance, as well as Select Seed, Hart Seed, New England Seed, Cheshire Garden Center, UConn Master Gardener program, Pardee Rose Garden, and local gardeners who — more and more — are sharing their seed bounty with us.
We are also pleased to thank and recognize the Library Staff, always supportive and encouraging, along with our committed volunteers who provide programming and staff the Seed Library: Betsy, Damien, Diane, Eleanor, Jim, Joan, Judie, Lani, Laurie, Maria, and Nancy.
Know plants? Are you a Master Gardener or knowledgeable gardener? Feel free to contact us to discuss ways you can volunteer with the Seed Library!