Seed Libraries
Through our Plant It Forward initiative, we are building a network of seed libraries for community members to access free seeds and begin their gardening journey. Our project aims to foster sustainability and improve nutrition access by making gardening more accessible to everyone. At these seed libraries, you may take seed packets for yourself, however if you are able, we encourage you to donate your own as well!
Tips on Successful Gardening
There is no one right way to garden. Any amount of space, available materials, and most importantly, skill level can start a garden - all you need are seeds which is why making them accessible is so important.
Don’t be scared if you don’t have a large background! Seeds can be planted both indoors and outdoors. If you are a beginner, try container gardening by planting herbs in a small container that can be kept indoors or outdoors. If you have a raised bed you can use, take advantage of it by planting a variety of seeds each season.
Contrary to popular belief, gardening is not just reserved for the warmer summer months. In fact, you can grow food all year long in almost every state - you just have to research beforehand to see what plants would be compatible with your current weather. For example, in Pennsylvania, garlic and carrots can be grown outdoors as long as they are protected during the cold winter months.
Furthermore, soil plays a huge role in plant health. Ensuring that your soil has the proper balance of the main nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential for plant health, and depends on the type of plant you are growing. By testing your soil, adding organic matter, such as compost, keeping it properly moist, and avoiding pesticide use, you can give your plants the best chance of survival.
What's the Importance?
Gardening offers countless benefits, not just for yourself but for our broader environment. Gardening reduces carbon dioxide emissions, avoids “food miles” by cutting down on the transportation of produce, and protects biodiversity by supporting our local ecosystems. By growing a wide variety of plants, we can help pollinators such as bees and butterflies. But beyond environmental benefits, it allows families to become food-independent, lessening reliance on expensive or processed store-bought food. Rather than consuming foods that are often packed with preservatives or lacking in nutrients due to long storage times, we can focus on growing fresh, nutritious food right at our homes! Gardening provides us with access to nutrient and vitamin rich foods that are essential to any healthy diet.