Free seed initiative gets growing

GREEN thumbs and novice gardeners rejoice, because a new seed swapping initiative is underway at the Bannockburn and Shire’s mobile libraries.

Driven by the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, the Seed Library offers up to three flower, herb and vegetable seed packets to be borrowed, and then donated back to once the plants mature.

Library Corporation board chair, and City of Greater Bendigo elected official, Cr Ron Nelson said the initiative is designed to boost community connectivity and wellbeing.

“The Seed Library was created to help foster community connections and enhance wellbeing especially after the challenges so many people faced during multiple lockdowns,” he said.

“The project also acknowledges the role gardening can play in wellbeing and aims to encourage people to grow their own food.

“The Seed Library is available to community members young or old, no matter where in the region you live. You can plant seeds in a big backyard garden, a small urban balcony, or even in a recycled planter on a windowsill.”

Along with Bannockburn library, and a roving Seed Library located on the Golden Plains Mobile Library until the end of March, you can also get the seeds for other GRLC sites including Colac, Drysdale, Newcomb, Torquay and Waurn Ponds libraries.

To help you get the most from the seeds a beginners vegetable gardening workshop is being held on Friday, 18 March at grlc.vic.gov.au.

“Whether you are a novice or avid gardener, this project provides a platform that supports lifelong learning, healthy eating, and the simple joy of gardening,” Cr Nelson said.