A successful garden doesn’t have to begin with an expensive trip to the garden center, and it doesn’t have to end when you pick your last tomato! At DeKalb Public Library, we’re helping gardeners make the most of every stage of the growing season, from planting seeds in the spring to sharing the harvest in the summer, and, finally, saving seeds for next year.
It all starts with our Seed Library.
Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or fruits, the Seed Library offers free seeds to help you get started. It’s a simple way to try new varieties, experiment in your garden, and grow fresh food at home. Best of all, the Seed Library is available to everyone! To participate, come to the library each week, choose up to three seed packets, and log them in the binder on the table! It’s that simple!
As the season progresses, many gardeners find that they have planted in abundance and have too much produce.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with an endless supply of zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs, or flowers, our new Produce Swap is for you! Beginning July 10, community members can bring their extra garden bounty to the library and trade it with neighbors. The Produce Swap is a great way to share what you’re growing, discover new fruits and vegetables, and reduce food waste. Even if you don’t have anything to contribute yet, you’re welcome to stop by and pick up some veggies, herbs, or flowers to enjoy with family and friends.
The Produce Swap will be available every weekend from July 10 through October 12, running from Friday at noon until Monday at noon. Look for the swap table near the Adult Reference Desk. Participants are asked to log any produce they bring or take so we can track the program’s success throughout the season. Please bring only fresh, clean produce that is fit for consumption. Visit the kickoff on July 10 from 3:00- 5:00 p.m.!
Of course, the gardening cycle doesn’t end with the harvest.
Many fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs produce seeds that can be saved and replanted year after year. Learning to save seeds is an easy way to reduce gardening costs, preserve favorite varieties, and become a more self-sufficient gardener. To help you get started, join us for one of our Seed Saving Workshops! These hands-on programs will teach you how to collect, dry, and store seeds from your garden favorites so they’re ready to plant next season. You’ll leave with practical skills that can help your garden thrive, and help you restock our seed library for years to come!
Save the date for one of our Seed Saving Workshops!
- Friday, July 24, 11:00- 12:00, Zimmerman Meeting Room
- Friday, August 14, 11:00- 12:00, Zimmerman Meeting Room
- Monday, September 28, 6:00- 7:00, Zimmerman Meeting Room
Together, the Seed Library, Produce Swap, and Seed Saving Workshops create a full-circle approach to gardening. Borrow seeds, grow your garden, share your harvest, save your seeds, and start the process again next year.
If you’re interested in planting more than just veggies and would love to bring some extra beauty to your yard, attend Landscaping with Flowers on June 17 at 7:00 p.m.! At this event, you will learn how to bring year-round beauty and visual interest to your home with a landscaped yard! This presentation will introduce various types of flowering plants and demonstrate how to create a pleasing, lasting design.
We invite you to come create, collaborate, and grow with us at DeKalb Public Library! If you have questions about our building, services, or materials, or any suggestions, please reach out to us at [email protected] or 815-756-9568 ext. 2150, or stop by and see us during our open hours. Happy gardening!