Seed Lending Library

The Seed Library will be open from March - August 2024!

Introducing the Manchester Seed Library! Interested in starting a garden? What about trying out a new type of produce? Whether you are a beginner or experienced gardener, the Manchester Seed Library will be a wonderful resource for many different varieties of seed options to try in your own garden each season.

How it works:

Seeds are available for check-out on the 2^nd floor of the library, outside of the NH Room. Stop by the library to browse available seeds to take home and plant. If you have a successful growing season and would like to share your seeds with others, return any extra or new seeds to the Manchester Seed Library to keep our sustainable collection growing!

How to ‘Check Out’ seeds:

• Donated seeds are listed in the catalog, and periodically updated. Due to the nature of donations, we cannot guarantee remaining amounts.
• To help us know what kind of seeds you are interested in planting, sign out your seed packet(s) in the “Seed Library Check Out Sheet” located next to the Seed Catalog.
• Take your seeds home to plant.
• Seeds are limited to ten (10) packets per family and two (2) packets of each seed type.
• Look up growing information for your seeds in a library book or online! Many seeds have different needs for germination, soil composition, sunlight and water.
• Here are some links to resources to get you started:
  • Heirloom Seed Saving, Strawbery Banke Museum
  • Getting Started with Gardening, UNH Extension
  • Planting Calendar for Manchester, NH
  • Seed Saving Resources, Community Seed Network

How to donate seeds:

• Donated seeds are appreciated and help us keep the seed library going every year! Seed donations should be clearly labeled with the common name and variety of the plant type.
  • Purchased seeds can be donated in the packet.
  • For seeds saved from your garden, please take some pre-labeled paper envelopes and include as much information as you can!

2024 Growing Season

Nearest Climate Station: Massabesic Lake, NH | Altitude: 252' | Last Spring Frost: May 4 | First Fall Frost: Oct 6|Growing Season 154 days

We would love to see your thriving gardens! Share pictures with us on social media by tagging @manchlibrary or using #Manchesterseedlibrary.