Start a seed library

Your community is
ready. Are you?

Starting a Free Seed Library is one of the most joyful things you can do for your neighborhood. This page has everything you need — from the idea to the first seed drop.

What is a Free Seed Library?

A Free Seed Library is a small, weatherproof box — usually wooden — that lives in a public or semi-public space and is stocked with free seed packets for anyone to take. No library card. No cost. No rules beyond one: if you can, leave some seeds behind for the next person.

Think of it as a Little Free Library for seeds. Same spirit of neighborly sharing — but what you take grows, multiplies, and eventually feeds people.

Each library is maintained by a community steward — that's you. The box can live outside your home, at a community garden, church, school, or local business. The more visible it is, the more it becomes a gathering point and conversation starter for your block.

You don't need to be an expert gardener. You just need to be someone who believes in sharing.

Free, always
Seeds are never sold — only shared. That's the whole idea.
Community-owned
You run it. Your neighbors fill it. No corporate oversight, no fees.
Open to everyone
Take what you need. Leave what you can. No questions asked.
Built for connection
It's a reason to stop, look, and meet a neighbor you've never spoken to.
Zero waste
Surplus seeds that would expire in a drawer get planted instead.

Tips & frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
before your first seed drop.

Placement
Visibility is everything. Aim for a spot at or near eye level that passersby will naturally notice — the edge of a yard facing a sidewalk, a porch, or a spot near a gate or mailbox. The more foot traffic, the better. Make sure it's somewhat sheltered from direct rain if possible, even just by a tree canopy or eave.
On private property — your own yard, a friend's front porch, a church or school — you'll just need permission from the owner, which is usually a quick conversation. For public spaces like parks or street medians, check with your city. Most are enthusiastic about it. If you're placing at a business or community garden, bring them in as a co-steward — they'll love the visibility.
Absolutely — and they make wonderful hosts. Schools can integrate the seed library into science or gardening curricula. Public libraries already run many seed exchange programs, and a Free Seed Library box is a natural complement to those efforts. Reach out to us and we'll help you make the case to your institution.
Both work. Outdoor boxes get more spontaneous traffic from passersby. Indoor boxes — in a library lobby, community center, or church foyer — are protected from the elements and can have more signage and information alongside them. If you go outdoor, weatherproofing your box is essential (our building guide covers this).
Seeds
Start with easy-to-grow varieties that work in your region — tomatoes, zucchini, sunflowers, basil, beans, and marigolds are crowd favorites. Mix vegetables and flowers. Over time, your community will bring their own extras and the selection will expand naturally. Try to include at least a few heritage or heirloom varieties to support seed diversity.
Start with your own surplus — any gardener with a few years under their belt has more seeds than they can use. Ask friends and neighbors. Reach out to your local master gardener program, garden club, or community garden. You can also contact us — we're building partnerships with seed companies to redistribute stock they can no longer sell.
Most seeds are freshest the year they're packed, but many last 2–5 years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. Onions and parsnips have short viability (1–2 years). Tomatoes and squash can last 4–6 years. Don't stress about expiration — even older seeds often germinate, just at lower rates. Label packets with the year when possible.
Yes — and this is one of the most exciting parts of a seed library. Neighbor-saved seeds are often better adapted to your local climate than commercial varieties. Encourage contributors to label their packets with the plant name, variety (if known), year saved, and any growing notes. A little envelope and a pencil nearby goes a long way.
Good question to be thoughtful about. As steward, you can add a simple note asking contributors not to donate seeds of known invasive plants in your region. The USDA and your state's native plant society have good resources on what to avoid in your area. When in doubt, leave it out.
Sharing the news
Start hyperlocal: post in your neighborhood Facebook group or Nextdoor, put a flyer on community boards, and tell your immediate neighbors in person. A small, clear sign on the box itself explaining what it is does a lot of work. Once you register your library with us, we'll add it to our map so people searching online can find you.
Definitely! Share photos of your box when you set it up and when it's full. Tag us at @freeseedlibrary and we'll amplify your launch. Instagram and Facebook tend to work best for community garden content, but use whatever platforms your neighbors are on. A short video of the box in action is particularly shareable.
A quick check once a week is usually plenty — refill what's been taken, remove anything that looks damaged or mislabeled, and tidy up. In high-traffic areas you may want to check more often. During peak gardening season (spring and early summer), things move faster. Set a recurring reminder on your phone so it doesn't slip.
It happens occasionally, and it can be discouraging. Most stewards find that the overwhelming majority of interactions are positive and respectful. If vandalism is a recurring issue, try moving the box to a more visible location, adding a sign with your contact info, or building community around it so neighbors feel ownership. The Little Free Library network has great resources on this too.
Yes — and we'd love to help. A seed swap is a wonderful way to build momentum around your library, meet the gardeners in your community, and stock up on new varieties. It doesn't need to be fancy: a folding table, a few bins of seeds sorted by type, and some blank envelopes for people to take seeds home is plenty. Reach out to us for a simple event planning guide.

Ready to plant something
for your whole neighborhood?

Register your library, get added to our map, and join a growing network of stewards across the country. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Register Your Library