The Seed Library is the Deerfield Public Library’s newest collection! Beginning Monday, March 2, 2026, this new collection will be added; it’s all about sharing seeds, gardening knowledge, and the joy in growing your own plants and food. By taking seeds, cultivating them into beautiful gardens, and sharing your experience and feedback, we are creating a thriving community garden where everyone can participate. This year’s seeds come from Prairie Moon Nursery, Fedco Seeds, and Seed Savers Exchange.
How it Works:
- Take Seeds
- Look through the seed collection and pick the seeds you’d like to plant! We suggest taking no more than 5 seed packets per visit to ensure there’s enough for everyone. Bundles only count as 1 pack per visit. Fill out a quick form to let us know what you’ve taken.
- Grow Your Garden
- Plant your seeds and enjoy watching your plants grow. Need help? You can find gardening books and more tips in the Resources section, and check out our events calendar to see when an Illinois Master Gardener will be available to answer your personalized questions.
- Enjoy
- Enjoy the fruits of your labor and attend related programs throughout the year. Help the Seed Library grow! We welcome feedback, suggestions, pictures, and stories about how you used the seed library in your garden this year.
Why is the Seed Library Important?
- Try out a new hobby or try new plants without a large financial commitment.
- Helps to preserve native plant species and supports local ecosystems.
- Eases the burden of food insecurity by empowering our patrons to grow their own.
- Fosters a sense of community!
Types of Seeds
Vegetables
Where possible, the vegetables available in the Seed Library are organic. All vegetable seeds are non-GMO (not genetically modified). Click on the links for any Vegetable seed to be taken to where the seed came from and to learn more about growing and germinating the seed.
Herbs
Where possible, the herbs available in the Seed Library are organic. All herb seeds are non-GMO (not genetically modified). Click on the links for any herb to be taken to where the seed came from and to learn more about growing and germinating the seed.
Native Plants
These native plants and flowers require less maintenance and water, and can attract local pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Native plant seeds have different requirements for germination. Click on the links for any native plant to be taken to where the seed came from and to learn more.
Bundles are coming soon! Most seeds available in the Bundles section of the Seed Library are organic. All seeds are non-GMO (not genetically modified). View the description of each bundle below to find what is best for your garden.
| Seed Bundle | Description | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Pollinator Garden Bundle | Your yard, big or small, traditional or container, can help Illinois’ pollinators thrive with this bundle. | Milkweed Coneflowers Black-eyed Susans Golden Alexanders Wild Bergamot |
| Cat Friendly Bundle | Keep your four-legged friend safe with a variety of cat-safe plants. | Catnip Lemon Balm Cat Grass (blend of oat, wheat, barley) |
| Culinary Herb Garden Bundle | Refresh your kitchen windowsill with these fresh herbs. | Basil Dill Cilantro Oregano Rosemary Thyme |
| Salsa Bundle | Everything you need to create your own fresh salsa. | Jalapeno Cilantro San Marzano Tomato Yellow Pear Tomato Purple Tomatillo Green Tomatillo |
| My First Garden Bundle | Is this your first garden, and you don’t know where to begin? These veggies are easy to grow & tasty too! | Beans Chard Cucumber Kale Lettuce Peas Zucchini |
Common Name & Variety of Seeds
- Green Bush Bean
- Beet, Burpee’s Golden (organic)
- Beet, Detroit Dark Red (organic)
- Broccoli, De Cicco (organic)
- Carrot, Scarlet Nantes (organic)
- Cauliflower, Snow Crown
- Cucumber, Bushy (organic)
- Green Cabbage, Golden Acre
- Hot Pepper, Jaluv An Attitude
- Kale, Lacinato (organic)
- Melon, Petit Gris De Rennes (organic)
- Okra, Clemson Spineless (organic)
- Okra, Red Burgundy
- Parsnip, Hollow Crown
- Pea, Green Arrow (organic)
- Pepper, Jalapeno Traveler Strain
- Pepper, Jimmy Nardello’s
- Radish, French Breakfast (organic)
- Radish, Watermelon
- Romaine Lettuce, Jericho
- Spinach, Bloomsdale (organic)
- Squash, Spaghetti
- Squash, Waltham Butternut (organic)
- Swiss Chard, Fordhook Giant
- Tomato, Aunt Ruby’s German Green (organic)
- Tomato, Brandywine (Red)
- Tomato, Cherokee Purple (organic)
- Tomato, Cherry Roma (organic)
Helpful Links & Resources
Helpful Links
We want to hear from you!
Share your seed library experience with us. We want to hear your feedback and be a part of this community garden. Share your photos and insights with us by filling out this Google Form (this form will take you to a separate Google site).
FAQ & Feedback
What is a seed library?
A seed library is a free community resource where library patrons can “check out” seeds to grow in their gardens. At the end of the season, we encourage gardeners to save seeds from their plants for their personal use next year.
Do I need a library card to take seeds?
No, you do not need a library card. Our seed library is open to everyone in the community.
Is there a limit to how many seeds I can take?
To ensure there are enough seeds for everyone, we ask that you take a reasonable amount—typically a few packets per visit. We recommend five packets. Bundles only count as one packet.
What kinds of seeds are available?
We offer a variety of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds, with a focus on non-GMO/organic vegetables and herbs and Native Illinois plants/flowers.
How many seeds are in each packet?
We have packed approximately 5-20 seeds per packet, depending on the size of the seed. For larger seeds like pumpkins, you can expect ~5 seeds. For tiny seeds like Amaranth, you can expect closer to ~15-20.
Can I donate seeds?
No. We appreciate your desire to give back! Unfortunately, to ensure all seeds are non-GMO/organic and are viable, we will not be accepting seeds harvested by our patrons.
What if I don’t know how to save seeds?
We understand that not all plants produce viable seeds or that gardeners may be new to seed saving. If you are interested, check our resources page for links on how to save seeds for your personal use next season.
