A Seed Library Grows in Clayton

Our Seed Library has over 100 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and wildflowers.

Stop in and take home seeds for your gardens.

It’s just as easy as borrowing a book.

Mission and Vision

To create a culture of learning, sharing, and community through sustainable seed saving that reclaims seeds as a public resource, encourages biodiversity as an alternative to genetically modified seeds, fosters self-reliance over large food producers, advances food security, promotes a healthy diet, and develops seeds adapted to thrive in the soils and climate of our region. 

To collect seeds of local heirloom varieties and the folk stories that come with them to stave off the loss of native seeds, our natural environment, and out North Country history.

How does it work?

The Town of Clayton Seed Library will “lend out” seeds, just as the Depauville Free Library lends out books, with a loan period, however, that is quite a bit longer, lasting until the end of the growing season. After harvesting the seeds from a healthy crop, the saved seeds will ideally be “returned” to replenish the collection…. a collection (no fines imposed if you do not return seeds) that should over time improve in hardiness and taste.

Organic/Heirloom

Organic refers to a specific way plants and seeds are grown. Heirloom refers to the plant’s heritage. With seed-grown plants, only open-pollinated varieties are considered heirlooms.

Why do we need pollinators?

Insects and other animal pollinators are vital to the production of healthy crops for food, fibers, edible oils, medicines, and other products. Pollinators are also essential components of the habitats and ecosystems that many wild animals rely on for food and shelter.