The Sow & Grow Seed Library is a collaborative project between the Lubbock Master Gardeners Association (LMGA) and the Lubbock Public Libraries. It was established on June 1, 2019, at the Mahon Library. The initiative was inspired by a social media post from the Santa Fe area highlighting their seed bank program. After sharing this post on the LMGA Facebook page, a group of volunteers, led by Christina Reid, CEA-Horticulture with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, came together to plan and implement the seed library.
The library collects seeds donated by volunteers and individuals to support the program. Seeds are carefully packaged in labeled envelopes and organized in a card catalog system. The goal of the seed library is to promote gardening and provide access to gardening resources throughout Lubbock, regardless of community status.
The Mahon Library was selected as the initial location due to its central position as the main branch of the Lubbock Public Library system. Working closely with Library Director Stacy McKenzie, Mahon Library was deemed ideal for reaching a diverse audience.
The Sow & Grow Seed Library is open to the public. Visitors to the Mahon Library can freely choose up to three packets of seeds to start their gardens, with no library card required. Extra seeds can be returned to a designated box at Mahon for redistribution.
The project relies on seed donations, which can be deposited at Mahon or given to LMGA members. Donations include legal seeds with both common and scientific names if possible. Preference is given to open-pollinated or heirloom seeds, but hybrids are accepted if clearly labeled. Volunteers from LMGA organize donated seeds weekly to ensure accuracy and quality.
Educational flyers are available at the seed library to assist beginners, and contact information for LMGA is provided for further inquiries or donations. For more information, including how to donate seeds, visit the LMGA website or contact Christina Reid at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
For those interested, the seed libraries are now available at four of the Lubbock Public Library locations:
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Groves Library: 5520 19th Street
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Patterson Library: 1836 Parkway Drive
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Godeke Library: 5034 Frankford Avenue
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Mahon Library: 1306 9th Street
No library card is required to participate. To learn more about the program, watch a video describing the seed exchange program here.
Happy Growing! 🌱