The Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) and Master Gardeners of Hamilton County invite you to join us as the Seed Library opens for the 2021 season!
Seeds are available to check out starting Monday, March 1, 2021. Library cardholders can check out 20 seed packets for the entire season and take them all at once or divide that number up throughout the season. We don’t expect you to return the seeds, but if you have extra seeds or collect the seeds from the plants you grow, we will gladly take them back into the Seed Library.
Our patrons can find our catalog of seed varieties and growing guides, and you can contact us by email for help choosing the seeds that will work best in your garden, information about our programs or to contact us to request seeds to pick up.
After you pick up your seeds, don’t forget these top tips for your garden this year:
Springtime in gardening starts long before warm weather shines down on us here in Indiana. Seed starters are well into their grow lights and trays of seedlings by mid-March.
1) A tool I have recently found helpful is a soil thermometer. It reminds me of my anticipation and excitement at planting seedlings in the ground too early will usually end up in disaster.
2) Check your stored flower bulbs (from last season) for decay and discard any rotting or damaged bulbs.
3) Tend to your houseplants while you have time. Prune and repot as needed.
4) March is never too early to begin planning your first grub treatment and getting that defender on the ground early will be a good start to a grub free lawn for summer. Check out this publication from Purdue University on Managing White Grubs in Turf grass.
5) HEPL Seed Library is a great way to experiment a bit with growing from seeds without investing too many dollars. The varieties available and the overall assistance provided is a great way to get started each spring.
Last year our Seed Library, located at both branches of the Hamilton East Public Library, circulated over 22,000 packets of seeds. This year, we expanded our collection to include 30+ flower varieties and 80+ fruits, herbs, and vegetables.
Looking for a Seed Library event to attend? The library has you covered!
- Permaculture in the Suburban Yard Tuesday, March 23rd at 7 pm. Guest presenter and author, Amy Stross. This is a virtual program. Register here.
- Gardening In a Small Space Wednesday, April 7th at 7 pm. This is a virtual program. Register here.
- Backyard/Urban Conservation Tuesday, April 19th at 7 pm. with guest presenter Claire Lane. This is a virtual program. Register here.
We look forward to hearing your stories and seeing your photos as we journey through this growing season together! This program is made possible with the support of the Friends of the Library.
Tag us @HamiltonEastPL #HEPLSeedLibrary #HEPLGrowers
Lynn Simonye has lived in the Geist area for over 3 years. Along with gardening and boating on Geist, she also enjoys eating at the Fishers District restaurants, hiking in neighborhood woods on and trails, and hot air ballooning. Her favorite thing about Fishers is that it still has a small town feel that allows you to know your neighbors and get around easily, but big ideas keep the community growing and thriving and offer opportunities in the next phase of growth.
Allison Zafiratos is the Genealogy Library Assistant at Hamilton East Public Library and has lived in the Central Fishers area for 6 years. Along with traveling, crafting, and gardening, she also enjoys taking walks at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve and genealogy research. Her favorite thing about Fishers is the diversity of people and neighbors who have taught her so much about other parts of the world.