Seed Library

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AVAILABLE SEEDS AND PLANTING INFORMATION

NOW OPEN

Thanks to generous funding from The Peters Township Library Foundation, the PTPL Seed Library is officially open - a PT Library or Waggin Card is all you need to reap the benefits.

The PTPL Seed Library is housed in the library's lobby for the spring and summer of 2021.

  • What is a seed library?
    A seed library serves to distribute seeds for free in the community. Thanks to donations and funding from the Peters Township Public Library Foundation, we can offer this opportunity to the PT community. Seed libraries help reduce seed waste by repacking seeds into smaller quantities and provide information about successfully growing your seeds.

 

  • What seeds are available?
    A variety of fruit, vegetable, herb, and pollinator flowers are available. You can scan through the binder of seed packets to see what is currently available. You can also view them online here.

 

  • How do I checkout seeds?
    We ask that you take a maximum of 10 seed packets per week right now. After you select your seeds, you can find them in the labeled drawers. You will sign them out by filling out the date, your initials, confirming you have a library card, and writing what seeds you are taking.

 

  • What if I don’t see the seeds that I want?
    If you have a recommendation or other feedback, please leave a note in our “seed-gestion” box.

 

  • I checked out seeds, but what do I do next?
    Seed packets have some basic planting information on them and we have some brochures that also cover the basics. Different plants and varieties require very different care. We strongly encourage you to explore our website and find more information straight from the seed provider. You can also flip through the binder and review information on the back of the seed packet.

 

  • How can I donate seeds?
    You can donate seeds by completing a seed donation form. Please note that the state has certain criteria that must be met to redistribute seeds.

 

  • What other gardening resources does the library have?
    In addition to books and magazines about gardening and plants, there are also several Great Courses and Gale Courses that can help you learn more. We have several upcoming programs this spring and summer to help get your garden started and to maintain it throughout the year.

 

 

Garden Programs 2022

Check back here for information about gardening and growing programs.

Tomato Tips with Doug Oster VIA ZOOM | Thursday, May 12, 7pm-8pm
Hopefully, you have already started your tomato seedlings, but if not, no worries! Doug Oster, an Emmy Award-winning producer, television host, and garden writer, will be sharing tips and tricks to help your tomatoes thrive this summer. Topics will include late seed starting, all aspects of disease-free tomatoes, and common fungal issues. Register at ptlib.org/tomato to receive the Zoom Link for this presentation.

Giant Oaks Plant Sale & Garden Market | Saturday, May 14, 9am-1pm
The Giant Oaks Garden Club will sponsor its 21st Annual Plant Sale and Garden Market on Saturday, May 14 at the Peters Township Public Library, Peters Township. The plant sale will feature a large variety of quality potted perennial plants selected from members’ gardens. The sale runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., rain or shine. Also featured are herbs, vegetables, annuals, hanging baskets, and raffle baskets of gardening items. GOGC members, many of whom are Master Gardeners, are available to assist and answer individual gardening questions from the public. The Garden Market will feature new and lightly used gardening items. Various local community groups, including the Peters Township Public Library, Phipps Conservatory, Western PA Conservancy, Peters Township Meals on Wheels, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the National Aviary, and many more.

PTPL Plant Swap | Saturday, May 21, 10am-12pm
Have you started your seedlings and are overwhelmed with success? Are you looking to break apart some landscaping plants? Is your houseplant looking for a new home? Are you looking for a different type of tomato or pepper? Bring those extra plants to the library and swap them for another variety or plant with other green thumbs in the community.
Click here to register and learn more!

Maintaining Your Garden with the Washington County Master Gardeners | Thursday, July 7, 6:30pm-7:30pm
So you've started a garden, now what? Learn how to best maintain your garden throughout the summer with tips and tricks from our friends at the Washington County Master Gardeners! Click here to register and learn more!

Save the Date

Seed Saving with the Washington County Master Gardeners | Wednesday, September 7

PTPL Seed Swap | Winter 2022-2023

 

Thank You!

The following organizations donated and helped contribute to the kickoff of our 2022 Seed Library.

  • The Peters Township Public Library Foundation
  • Home Depot (Bethel Park)
  • Trax Farms