At the Seed Exchange, gardeners of all stripes are welcome

The sun is out, and pleasant breezes are stirring up that primal urge to dig in the dirt, bury seeds in the dark earth, and watch them grow.

During this brief window of spring magic, many Nashvillians dream of glistening cherry tomatoes, bulbous squashes, and clarion morning glories, twisting and reaching skyward.

But for those with limited gardening acumen (and perhaps an even more limited budget), where to begin? Pop over to your neighborhood library branch and ask about the Seed Exchange program.

The Seed Exchange offers an abundant array of vegetable, flower, and herb seed packets for patrons to take for free and plant at home, at school, or in the community. Many of these seeds come from local gardening enthusiasts, farmers, and horticulture groups like the Nashville Herb Society, harvested from their seasonal bounty.

NPL started the Seed Exchange in 2014 in response to strong public interest in gardening and healthy living. The program has steadily grown, and last year, patrons “checked out” more than 15,000 packets of seeds — a 37 percent increase over 2024.

Once you plant your seeds, the journey really begins. All year round, NPL offers in-person workshops led by Master Gardeners of Davidson County. And, you can always count on friendly and knowledgeable Library staff to share their tips and tricks on making your garden grow.

They are rooting for you to realize the garden of your dreams, whether it’s an herb potager to spice up your cooking or a wild milkweed garden to attract pollinators.

At season’s end, consider bringing your harvested seeds back to the Seed Exchange (though it’s not required!) to support other budding gardeners with dreams of their own.  

Let's Get Growing!

• Join us for a free seed workshop at Bellevue Branch on May 30 at 2 p.m.
   
• Stop by the Main Library’s Popular Materials department every Tuesday in May between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for “Take and Grow Tuesdays.” Sign up for our Seed Exchange email newsletter and you’ll receive a free herb growing kit to take home. Available while supplies last.
   
• Borrow seeds from the Seed Exchange.
   
• Donate seeds to the Seed Exchange.
   
• Check out garden party games like bocce ball and croquet through the Library of Things.

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