NEMI’s Seed Lending Library is a free program whose goal is to strengthen the resilience, sustainability and connection of our community by sharing biodiverse, locally-adapted seeds.
A seed lending library is a collection of seeds donated by local growers. Donated seeds range from unused seed packets to hand saved seeds grown locally. Our intention is to stock a library of seeds that have been proven to grow successfully in our local climate and environment and that those seeds will be replenished regularly by local growers.
Seeds in the Lending Library are available to be borrowed, just like a library book. How does it work? Borrow the seeds at planting time, grow and harvest the crop, then set aside some of the plants to grow to seed. Save the seeds and return some to the library.
We encourage you to return at least the amount of seeds you borrowed, however returning more seeds allows the seed library to be sustained by community seed growers, helps to grow the collection and balances the reality that not all growers will be successful in growing and saving viable seeds. Remember plants produce a lot of seeds!
Seeds are Now Available to Borrow for the 2025 Growing Season!
We currently have a lot of seeds past their ideal storage life, these are free for community members to take and use, no obligation, although saved seed is always welcome!
- Amaranth, Burgundy
- Basil, Lemon, Sweet DaniBeans, Carminat
- Bean, French Fillet
- Beet, Early Wonder
- Beet, Detroit Dark Red
- Broccoli, Green Sprouting
- Cauliflower, Super Snowball Self Blanching
- Cantaloupe, Hale’s Best
- Cucumber, Lemon
- Calendula, Mix
- Clover, Crimson
- Corn, Mandan Bride
- Cornflower/Gentleman’s Buttons, Mix
- Coriander/Cilantro
- Eggplant, Black Beauty
- Hollyhock, Antwerp
- Lettuce, leaf Mix
- Lettuce, Prizehead
- Lettuce, Buttercrunch
- Lettuce, Salad Bowl
- Mesclun Mixture, Mild
- Milkweed, Common
- Nigella, Love in the Mist
- Orach, Red
- Pea, Russian Sugar
- Pepper, Aroma Chili
- Pepper, Long Red Cayenne
- Pepper, Early Calwonder
- Petunia, Mix
- Poppy, Common (red)
- Poppy, Mix
- Poppy, Oriental (Perennial)
- Poppy, Black Peony
- Squash, Carnival
- Sweet Pea Flower, Pink
- Sweet William
- Sunflower, Mix
- Tomato, Sweet Million Hybrid
- Tomato, Principe Borghese
- Tomato, San Marzano
- Tomato, Beefsteak
- Tomato, Black Cherry
- Zinnia, Red Tall
- Zinnia, Pink Short
How it works-
- Most seeds have been gathered from plants grown on Manitoulin Island. Those in manufacturers packets have not. All have been donated to the library. We cannot guarantee their viability.
- You must be a NEMI Public Library Member to borrow seeds. Library membership is free to all NEMI Residents or $30 annual library membership fee for nonresidents.
- If you borrow seeds, we ask that you harvest seeds from the plants you grow and if possible, return at least as many as you borrowed.
- There are no limits to how many types may be borrowed, but we ask that people take only what they are able to grow this season. Extra bags/envelopes are available.
- Donations of new seeds gathered at the end of this growing season are welcome. We encourage donations of heirloom/open-pollinated seeds grown for at least one generation on Manitoulin island.
- Most seeds are very easy to collect from mature plants. We have print and web resources available to support seed collection.
- What if they don’t grow? There are no fees, fines or punishments. Just let us know what happened.
- Come during library hours to check out seeds.
VIDEO: Introduction to NEMI Seed Library and Seed Saving Basics
How can you get involved?
- Borrow seeds and return some to the library at the end of the season
- Donate seeds from plants you have had success with in your garden. Get the Return/Donation Form here.
- Volunteer to help maintain and organize the collection
