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Common Soil Seed Library Takes Root at Benson Branch

March 05, 2013

Omaha Public Library (OPL) is excited to introduce the Common Soil Seed Library just in time for spring planting. A seed library is exactly what its name implies – a place where gardeners of all experience levels can check out seeds to grow. Resulting seeds are then shared with the library for others to enjoy. Common Soil, along with a variety of programs, workshops and resources to help get you started, will be based at Benson Branch, 6015 Binney St.

Common Soil strives to provide a space where local gardeners, farmers and library patrons can share open-pollinated seeds, as well as develop awareness and gain information about gardening and seed saving.

“It’s important to welcome the practice of seed sharing with our community for the many benefits that come with it,” said Rachel Steiner, Benson Branch manager. “We hope that the seed library will help create a culture of sharing and abundance.”

Upcoming free workshops:

Saturdays, March 9 and April 13, 2 p.m.: Seed Saving 101 - Learn the cultural importance and history of seed saving, along with basic genetics and concepts.
Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m.: Seed Germination 101 - Learn how to germinate and grow seeds inside your home for springtime garden planting.
Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m.: Planning your Garden for Seed Saving - Draw and conceptualize your garden. Learn how to use borders and distance for maximal growth opportunities.
Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 p.m.: Early Season Seed Saving - Learn how to save seeds resulting from cool crops like lettuce, arugula and springtime radish, which will bolt in the summer heat.

The Common Soil Seed Library is made possible through funding from the Omaha Public Library Foundation with support from the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Seed donations were received from City Sprouts in Omaha, Neb; Betsy Goodman in Omaha, Neb.; Peace Seeds in Corvallis, Ore.; Sand Hill Preservation Center in Calamus, Iowa; Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa; and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange in Mineral, Va. Omaha Public Library is also grateful for support from the Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office, and appreciates the efforts of Betsy Goodman and Naomi Solomon, who helped conceive and develop the Common Soil Seed Library.

For more information about the Common Soil Seed Library and related events, visit guides.omahalibrary.org/commonsoil or call 402.444.4846. Visit omahalibrary.org for information on additional upcoming events at Omaha Public Library’s 12 metro locations.

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