What is the Santa Clara City Library Seed Share?

The Santa Clara City Library Seed Share is a collection of vegetable, herb and flower seeds which patrons can take for free and grow in their gardens. If the plants produce well, patrons are encouraged to save some seeds and return them to the collection. Seed availability changes seasonally, so please contact your local library branch for availability.

Central Park Library

2635 Homestead Road
Santa Clara, CA 95051
408-615-2900

Mission Branch Library

1098 Lexington Street
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408-615-2964

Northside Branch Library

695 Moreland Way
Santa Clara, CA 95054
408-615-5500

How the Santa Clara Seed Share Works

• Take a seed envelope and write down the growing information for the seed you want.

• Take as many seeds as you plan to plant and a few extra in case some don’t germinate.

• Write what seeds you have taken in the seed binder, so we know what is popular.

• If your plants are successful, return some seeds from those plants so they can be shared with others.

Why Save Seeds?

 Saving seeds helps:

• maintain a diversity of heirloom plants - Each time you save seeds from a plant you are helping to improve that variety’s unique characteristics. Over time, the plants become ideal for your local environment and feature the qualities which you find most desirable.
  
  
• save money - If you save seed each year from your plants, you won't need to buy as many new seeds the next season. You may also spend less on food seeing as you will be able to eat what you grow.
  
  
• preserve history - Heirloom seeds have been grown and saved by many generations. By cultivating heirloom varieties (or by beginning an heirloom) you become part of this tradition and pass on something positive to the generations who follow.

How to Save Seeds

The library has many books about seed saving you can check out!

This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.