.gif)
Local gardening enthusiasts have banded together to create a free community seed library for all residents of Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Lavaca, and Wharton Counties. Beginner gardeners are encouraged to participate; the library is for every level of gardener.
The Sprout to Share Free Seed Library will open Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. Terry Rich, owner of Create Space Studio in Columbus, has graciously offered an area at the front of the studio to house the library.
Here is how the library will work. Bulk packets of seeds for growing veggie and herb garden produce (no flowers yet) are available to take seeds from. No library card or any official documentation is needed. There will be a check out log for “seed borrowers” to fill out to keep track of which seeds are the most popular.
Each resident may take home up to four seed varieties daily, at no cost! Seed borrowers are encouraged to grow their seeds and enjoy the produce, sharing it with family and friends, then saving seeds from a small part of the produce to return to the library for the community’s future gardening needs.
In addition to offering free seeds, the library organizers will present workshops in person and information online about success in gardening. Topics will include bucket gardening, saving seeds, germinating seeds, what to plant when, successful varieties for our area, and more!
The Sprout to Share Free Seed Library opening on Aug. 24 will be a celebratory event with a short presentation on planting a fall garden in south central Texas and a seed exchange. The fun event will include door prizes and opportunities to meet others interested in gardening.
Everyone is welcome to sign up for the seed exchange as participants are not required to bring seeds but are encouraged to do so. Generous seed donations by local and national businesses have provided seeds so that everyone can participate in the exchange. To join in the fun of this seed library opening event, reserve your space for the event at https://tinyurl. com/exchange-rsvp or visit the Seed Library inside Create Space Studio at 717 Walnut St. in Columbus, TX, to sign up on the Seed Exchange Event List.
Anyone interested in using the library or supporting the library with time, seeds, or money may join the Sprout to Share public group on Facebook to get updates about the library and future events. The library is already set up for seed donations and volunteer sign-ups. Those looking to volunteer can drop by the library from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to sign up or email sproutgrowshare@ gmail.com.
