Marshall, Ill – Nothing tastes as good as a home grown tomato, especially one grown from free seed. A new seed library now allows gardeners to use their Marshall Public Library card to check out seeds at planting time, then return seeds saved from mature plants back to the library for others to use.

“Just as traditional libraries enrich a community by providing a way to share books, seed libraries enrich the gardening community by allowing patrons to share seeds. We enjoy providing services to the community that not only enrich minds but also enrich livelihoods,” says Alyson Thompson, Marshall Public Library Director.

A free special event will be held at 2 p.m. on May 27 at the library where you can learn more about the seed library and how you can grow your own delicious vegetables or ornamental flowers perfect for our local climate.  The educational program will be led by University of Illinois Extension featuring Kim Trine, Ag and Natural Resources Coordinator, and Mary Liz Wright, Nutrition and Wellness Educator.

Wright will share ideas on how to use homegrown garden fruits and vegetables and share recipes. Trine will teach participants about container gardening for those with limited space in their yards, emphasizing that everyone can grow flowers and vegetables. Materials will also be provided about how to collect, clean and store seeds.

Participants will even have the opportunity to plant seeds in a pot to take home thanks to community partner, Wal-Mart. Registration is not required.

SOURCE: Darra Walker, Promotion/Publicity Associate, Illinois Extension 
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for the University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and communities to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.