New Philadelphia, Ohio - The Tuscarawas County Public Library is encouraging residents to become novice backyard gardeners through its Seed Library and seed exchange program.

The Seed Library is located in a former card catalog in the Adult Department of the Main Library and holds seeds from locally-grown vegetables and flowers that can be checked out by patrons.

“The Seed Library is set up for individuals to check out seeds they are interested in growing, save seeds from the flowers or vegetables grown, and return a portion of the saved seed to the library for others to use next year,” says Director Michelle McMorrow Ramsell.

Ramsell said the seeds labeled with growth information and information on collecting seeds is located with the Seed Library.

“It is always special to see families using the library,” says Public Relations Associate Megan Kovalaske-Grimm. “It’s an excellent learning resource that allows parents and caregivers the chance to teach basic lessons of science to children through gardening.”

The seed exchange program started in 2014 when local Master Gardener Judy Clegg approached the Library’s Director. Since 2014, over 675 packs of seeds have been “checked out” and over a thousand seed packs have been donated.

The library system also has a gardening club that meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library. Club members include a wide variety of gardening expertise from beginner to master gardener. Members are always eager to help beginner seed savers; new members are welcome.

According to Kovalaske-Grimm, Master Gardeners share their gardening knowledge on selected topics with attendees. Throughout the year, members explore local gardens on tours, participate in plant swaps, and discuss a variety of topics from indoor to outdoor plant care.

The fall schedule of Gardening Club meetings and topics are:

  • Perennial Plant Profiles on September 10th taught by Master Gardener Annadele France.
  • Garden Tool Care on October 9th taught by Master Gardener Jim Klaiber. (Note: Date change due to Columbus Day holiday.)
  • Do It Yourself Plant Markers on November 12th taught by Master Gardener Judy Clegg.

For more information on the seed library or to register to attend a Gardening Club meeting, visit the library’s online event calendar at www.tusclibrary.org or call 330-364-4474. The Main Library is located at 121 Fair Ave. NW in New Philadelphia.

Tuscarawas County Public Library System