Guide to Seed Libraries and Getting Free or Cheap Seeds

By Real Farmer Jeff

Gardening | Seed Starting + Transplanting

Hey all! Real Farmer Jeff here.

I recently learned from one of my followers (shoutout Alyssa!) that you can sometimes find free seeds at local libraries.

I was so intrigued that I checked out three libraries in my area. I found that one library didn’t have a seed program, another had one that was mid-tier (about 10ish varieties that had been picked over), and another had one that was incredible (30ish varieties that were fully stocked).

From the checkout sheet, I could see that most people took 1-4 varieties. The printed instructions for the program explained that you could return more of the same seeds in the same packet the following year, but it was not a requirement. Surprisingly, I didn’t even need a library card to check out seeds!

This seed library was so incredible I would seriously call or visit your local library to see what programs exist in your area!

Seed Libraries: What They Are & Why They Exist

Definition:
A seed library is a community resource, often located in public libraries, that offers free seeds to the public. Users “borrow” seeds, grow plants, and optionally return seeds from their harvest to keep the collection going.

Purposes:

Promote Sustainability & Food Security: Encourages home gardening and access to fresh produce.
Preserve Biodiversity: Focus on heirloom and open-pollinated varieties.
Educate Communities: Fosters knowledge about ecology.
Build Community: Connects people through shared local growing efforts.
Adapt Seeds Locally: Promotes plant varieties that grow well in specific regions.

How It Works:

Browse available seeds.
Take a limited number to grow.
Learn from available guides and resources.
Optionally return seeds after harvest.
Participate in events and workshops.

Fun Fact: There are over 500 seed libraries across the U.S., often hosted in public libraries.

Best Additional Ways to Get Free or Cheap Seeds

1. Seed Swaps (Local & Online)

Description: Events or online platforms where gardeners exchange seeds.

Where to Find:

Local gardening groups
Libraries or community centers
Facebook groups
Reddit: r/SeedSwap etc.

New to gardening? Many swaps welcome beginners without requiring trades.

2. Free Online Seed Programs

Program	Description
FreeHeirloomSeeds.org	Offers free heirloom seed packs (donations encouraged).
Seed Savers Exchange	Occasional giveaways and affordable heirloom seeds.

Tip: Apply early – some programs are seasonal with limited availability.

3. Grow from Grocery Store/Kitchen Scraps

Can You Plant Fresh Seeds? Yes, for some! Others need drying or preparation first. Here’s a breakdown:

Seeds You Can Often Plant Fresh (No Drying Needed):

Tomatoes: Yes, but fermenting improves germination. Let pulp sit in water 2-3 days, then rinse and plant. (more information at the bottom of blog post)
Peppers: Often viable straight from ripe fruit.
Cucumbers & Squash: Must be overripe to have viable seeds. Store cucumbers are usually harvested too early.

Seeds Best Dried Before Planting:

Melons & Watermelons: Dry seeds a few days to avoid rot.
Beans, Lentils, Peas: Use dried (uncooked) versions. Canned beans will not sprout.

Seeds That Usually Won’t Work:

Apples, Citrus, Grapes, etc.: Often immature, irradiated, or need cold stratification. Fun to try, but results are uncertain and slow-growing.

Tips:

Choose organic produce when possible.
Label your seeds and track dates.
Have fun experimenting — it’s a great learning process!

4. Local Resources: Gardening Groups & Extension Services

Where to Look:

County extension offices
Master Gardener programs
Community gardens and urban farms
Food banks with garden support programs

Many offer seasonal starter kits or free seeds.

5. Save Your Own Seeds Directly From the Fruit/Flower/Vegetable (Seed Saving)

Best for Beginners:

Beans
Peas
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Marigolds
Sunflowers

Tips:

Use open-pollinated (not hybrid) varieties.
Store in cool, dry conditions, labeled by type and date.
Saved seeds can adapt to your local environment!

How to Ferment Saved Tomato Seeds for Planting

Why Ferment?:

Removes the gel coating around seeds, which contains germination inhibitors.
Kills off mold, fungi, and some seed-borne diseases.
Mimics the natural rotting process of a tomato on the ground — nature’s way of prepping seeds!

What You’ll Need:

A ripe tomato
A small jar or cup
A spoon
Water
Paper towel or cloth to cover the jar
Strainer or sieve

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Scoop Out the Seeds
- Cut the tomato in half.
- Use a spoon or fingers to scoop out the seeds with the surrounding gel, and place it all into a container.
Add a Bit of Water
- Add about 1 – 2 tablespoons of water to thin the mixture.
  You don’t need much – just enough to help it slosh around.
Let It Sit & Ferment
- Cover loosely with a paper towel, cloth, or coffee filter to keep flies out but let air in.
- Place it in a warm area (60 – 80°F / 15 – 27°C), away from direct sunlight. Let sit for 2 – 4 days.
  - Watch for: A white/grayish mold layer will form — that’s normal! It should smell a little funky, like sour fruit.
Strain & Rinse
- Once fermented, add more water, swirl, and let the mixture settle. Good seeds sink – bad seeds, mold, and pulp float.
- Pour off the junk, keeping the good seeds at the bottom.
- Repeat 2 – 3 times until clean.

5. Dry the Seeds

Spread the seeds on a paper towel, coffee filter, or parchment paper.
Let them air dry for about 1 week in a well-ventilated spot.
Label them with the tomato variety and date!
- Don’t dry them on a paper towel if you want to store long-term — they’ll stick! Use a coffee filter or parchment for easier removal.

Ready to Plant or Store

Once fully dry, seeds can be stored for up to 5 – 10 years in cool, dry conditions.
Or plant right away indoors in seed trays or outdoors when the soil is warm.

Thanks for reading along, guys!

If you enjoyed this blog post, be sure to check out my other gardening blog posts:

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Jeff has a deep passion for gardening. Each year, he cultivates hundreds of pounds of vegetables—along with the occasional fruit—turning his garden into a thriving and productive space. Combined with Kyrié’s cooking, together, they create exciting meals using Jeff’s harvest.

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