The Library is launching its first Seed Library!

The Library is excited to unveil our inaugural Seed Library for the 2022 growing season!

Starting Tuesday, March 1, select from a range of herb, vegetable, flower, and native plant seeds to plant and enjoy in your home gardens.  The Seed Library will be located in the upper-level Lobby by the elevator.

All seeds are free and open to any garden enthusiast. Seeds will be available first-come, first-served (while supplies last – the Library will not hold seeds for patrons).  Variety availability will change throughout the season.

Please be mindful of others and take what you feel you can grow in a season.

A very hearty thank you to the following companies who generously donated seeds to our Library:

Ball Seed Company  |  Colonial Williamsburg Foundation  |  W. Atlee Burpee Company  |  Ferry-Morse Seed Company  |  Floret Flowers  |  Harris Seed Company  |  True Leaf Market  |  Victory Seeds

Donate Seeds to the Library

Do you have leftover seeds in need of a home? The Library happily accepts seed donations to be added to the Seed Library.

A donation box will be available next to the Seed Library.  We can accept leftover seed packages or seeds harvested from your own gardens. If you are interested in donating seeds, please include the following information on the bag/envelope:

• Plant name
• Growing requirements (light, height, spacing, etc.)
• Is the plant poisonous?
• Were the seeds harvested locally?
• Year of purchase/harvest

Community Garden Plots

The Library, in partnership with the Plainfield Township Community Garden, will have mini-plots available for rent for the 2022 growing season, running from May 15 – October 15, 2022.  

Plot rental includes a non-refundable $5.00 fee per plot.  Each individual plot is 5′ x 5′.  A maximum of 2 plots can be rented for the season. 

Thank you to the Plainfield Lions Club for their generous donation towards tools for the Community Garden plots.

How can I rent a garden plot for the season?

Click here to check current garden plot availability.

Spots are limited.  Once your application has been approved, the Library will contact you with additional information regarding your garden plot.  Questions?  Contact Tina Beaird by phone at (815) 436-6639 or by email at tbeaird@papl.info.

Looking for a larger garden plot?  Visit the Plainfield Township Community Garden website for more information on their 15′ x 20′ and 15′ x 30′ plots.

What can I grow?

Not sure where to start on a 5’X5’ plot?  We’ve got suggestions!  You can also check out the Old Farmers Almanac for more planting ideas. 

• 6 tomato plants
• 6 pole beans or trellised pea plants
• 9 pepper plants
• 4 pepper plants and 2 compact climbing plants (cucumber, beans)
• 50 onions, beets, turnips
• 12-15 branching flowers dahlias, cosmos, larkspur, zinnia, calendula
• 20-24 upright flowers like sweet peas, gladiolus, snapdragons or sunflowers

NOTE: Please do not grow the following types of plants:

• Perennials (garden plots are tilled every spring)
• Lavender
• Strawberries
• Mint
• Spreading vine vegetables including pumpkin, gourd, and melon.