The T/E GrassRoots Growers

Community Seed Library

Welcome to the Community Seed Library!

Our FREE community seed library is a place where gardeners of all levels can borrow, share, and save seeds—helping to preserve local plant diversity and build a more resilient food system. By growing and saving seeds adapted to our unique climate and soil, we empower our community to become more self-reliant, sustainable, and connected. Every seed tells a story—join us in growing a stronger future, one plant at a time.

The GRG Community Seed Library is located at the Tamworth Branch of L&A Libraries, located at 1 Ottawa St. Tamworth, ON

How the Seed Library Works

(It's simple!)

STEP 1: Borrow.

Choose the seeds* you'd like to grow, take them home, and plant them in your garden.

STEP 2: Grow.

At the end of the season, if you're able, save some seeds from your healthiest plants.

STEP 3: Return (if you can!)

Return your saved seeds to the library for others to enjoy!

Please note, returning seeds isn't required, but it helps keep the library growing and supports a cycle of local, climate-adapted plants. Whether you're a seasoned saver or just getting started, every seed shared strengthens our community.

Why seed libraries are important?

Free community seed libraries are important because they promote local food security, biodiversity, and community resilience.

Here’s why they matter:

  • Community seed libraries help people take control of their food by growing their own produce. This encourages self-reliance, healthier eating, and a stronger connection to local food systems.

  • Seed libraries often include heirloom and open-pollinated varieties that are locally adapted. This helps preserve genetic diversity and reduce dependence on commercial, genetically uniform seeds.

  • They encourage the exchange of gardening knowledge, cultural practices, and sustainable farming methods between community members.

  • Locally adapted seeds are more resilient to regional climate conditions, pests, and diseases, which becomes increasingly important with shifting environmental patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • YES! All the seeds in the Community Seed Library are free to take home and plant in your garden.

    • We welcome open-pollinated, heirloom, or locally adapted seeds that help our community grow strong, diverse gardens. These include flowers, herbs, vegetables and native plants.

    • Donations can be made in bulk - in a labelled jar or bag, or individually packaged in labelled seed envelopes

  • To keep our seed library safe, legal, and sustainable, please avoid donating the following: Invasive species that could harm local ecosystems, Patented seeds or seeds from patented plants, which are protected by intellectual property laws, F1 hybrids, as they often don’t grow true to type in the next generation

  • Labelling should include:

    • Common name and Scientific Name if known (ie Tomato)

    • Variety or Cultivar if known (ie Amish Paste Tomato)

    • Year seeds were collected (ie 2024),

    • Sun requirements (ie Full, Part)

    • Water requirements

    • Any notable traits or specialgrowing instructions (trellising, deadheading, etc.)

  • Learn the basics of how to save your own seeds here!

  • The GRG Seed Library is at the Tamworth Branch of the L&A Libraries, located at 1 Ottawa St. Tamworth, ON

  • The Tamworth Library lists it current hours on their website here.

*Disclaimer: Please note that the seeds shared through this community seed bank may vary in traits such as appearance, yield, and growth habits. While we do our best to provide accurate descriptions, natural genetic diversity and possible cross-pollination can lead to unexpected results. This diversity is a valuable feature, not a flaw—it helps maintain resilient plant populations that can adapt over time to our local growing conditions and a changing climate. Thank you for supporting seed sharing and biodiversity.