The Squamish Public Library hosts Squamish Climate Action Network’s Seed Library.

The Seed Library is set up to be completely self-serve, and information about how to become a member, how to save seeds, and other local gardening resources are provided by Squamish CAN. The Seed Library located across from the front desk, next to the boardgames section.

Why have a Seed Library?

It enables us to collectively adapt seeds to our Squamish climate, so we will have homegrown varieties that grow well where we live. In the event that our global climate changes substantially, we hope that different communities can swap seeds that are adapted to growing well in different climates. Diversity means resilience!

How do I use the Seed Library?

For an optional annual donation of $5, anyone can become a member. A membership to the Seed Library grants you unlimited access to any of the seeds we have available.

  • Please take 2-3 seeds for every plant you intend to grow this season. Example: if you would like to grow 3 tomato plants this year, take 6 to 9 seeds. For super small seeds, take a pinch.
  • Squamish CAN provides envelopes for you to take your seeds home. Label your envelope with as much info as you can about the seed: the seed company or who grew them, year, variety, Latin name, days to maturity, any growing notes, etc., so that if you bring seeds back, you can pass on that info to the next grower.

How is the library organized?

The varieties are divided in 18 groups, you will see them written on the drawers and on the baskets inside the drawers.

The “Easy”, “Moderate”, and “Advanced” labels on each family indicate how easy it is to get true seed from the plants, not how easy the plant is to grow. Getting true seed means that the parent plant has not crossed with another variety, and the offspring plants will grow into the same plant as the parent. More info on that below.

How can I learn more?

Join the Squamish Seed Savers

Are you interested in collectively adapting seeds to our region to support biodiversity in our food system and community resilience?

If the answer is yes but you don’t quite know where to start or feel like you don’t have enough knowledge to do it, Squamish CAN is there to help!

If you are an avid seed saver already, please join them so they can plan community grow outs!

Get in touch with Squamish CAN

Contact Seed Library Manager, Marie-ève (marie-eve@squamishcan.net) to get started.