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Every week the Madelyn Helling Library in Nevada City comes alive with activity. Colorful envelopes, labels, pens and rubber bands cover the tables where volunteers are busy sorting, packing and labeling seeds to share with the community. Curious library visitors stop to see what’s happening, sparking conversation about seed saving and gardening. Visitors come looking for books and leave with seeds and skills to grow fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers,
These lively gatherings are the result of a successful partnership between the library and UC Master Gardener Program of Nevada County. What began as an opportunity to share seeds has grown into an accessible way to connect people with gardening, their community, and the simple joy of growing something from seed.
UC Master Gardener volunteers (clockwise from left) Kathy Jones, Judy Nichols, Nikki Duncan, Marie Hays, and Linnie McNaughton pack envelopes for the seed library. Photo Credit: UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County
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A Partnership Takes Root
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the library needed help to re-launch its community seed library. UC Master Gardeners were a natural partner. UC Master Gardener volunteers bring research-based gardening knowledge, along with a passion for helping people grow their own food. The effort to reopen the seed library soon grew into a year-round community resource. To date, the program has helped more than 1,300 residents grow fresh food for themselves and their families.
UC Master Gardener volunteers, Nikki Duncan and Judy Nichols, proudly display the vintage card catalog turned seed library. Photo Credit: UC Master Gardeners of Nevada CountySmall Investment, Growing Impact
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The project began with $300 in seed funding and a vintage Dewey Decimal System card catalog donated by the library. Two UC Master Gardener volunteers, Judy Nichols and Nikki Duncan, got to work preparing the catalog and reaching out to over 20 seed companies and nonprofit organizations for donations.
Their efforts quickly paid off. Since the seed library reopened in July 2024, the volunteer team has tripled in size. Today, volunteers meet every week to sort, package, and restock seeds throughout the year.
Flower seeds are a visitor favorite. Photo Credit: UC Master Gardeners of Nevada CountySeeds for Gardens of Every Size
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The seed library offers seasonal vegetables, herbs, and flowers, including open-pollinated, heirloom, and hybrid varieties. The goal is simple: make gardening possible for everyone, whether they have a backyard, balcony, or community garden plot.
Large quantities of donated seeds are repackaged into smaller envelopes that better fit the needs of home gardeners.
“A typical packet of tomato seeds contains enough seeds to grow dozens of plants, far more than many home gardeners have space for,” says Nichols. “By providing a reasonable number of seeds, the library reduces waste while making the seeds available to more people.”
Visitors can choose up to five packets of seeds per visit. Each packet includes basic growing information and a use-by date.
“Most people don’t know that seeds can last for years if stored properly,” explains Duncan. “As a result, many viable seeds may be thrown away simply because people don’t realize they can still be used.”
The seed library extends beyond just providing free seeds. UC Master Gardener volunteers offer free seed swap events and educational workshops on starting plants from seed and seed saving. These workshops give residents research-based information and the confidence to grow their own food from seed.
Warm season vegetables for planting in the summer months. Credit: UC Master Gardeners of Nevada CountyBuilding Long-Term Food Resilience
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Free seeds can remove one of the financial barriers to gardening, but the benefits continue long after the seeds are planted.
By providing both seeds and gardening education, the seed library helps residents develop skills they can use year after year. Growing food at home can also help families supplement their food supply and become more self-reliant.
“Seed saving gives individuals the power to grow their own food, build agency, and learn on their own,” shared Nichols. This approach is especially valuable in Nevada County, a large, semi-rural area where access to resources can sometimes be difficult. Food assistance programs provide important support, but they may not meet every need. Growing some of their own food gives residents another way to supplement those resources.
Unlike a seasonal seed swap, the Nevada County Seed Library is available year-round. Residents can return to the library for seeds, information, and workshops as they plant and grow their gardens.
UC Master Gardeners (clockwise from left) Judy Nichols, Nikki Duncan, Marie Hays, Linnie McNaughton, and Library Liaison, Ian Boldt (center back), packaging and labeling seeds for the library. Photo Credit: UC Master Gardeners of Nevada CountyGrowing More Than Gardens
Through seeds, education, and partnership, the seed library is helping residents do more than grow gardens. It is helping them build knowledge, confidence, and greater resilience. Over 6,000 seed packets and counting have been shared with residents of Nevada County.
As the seed library continues to grow, its impact will extend far beyond the seeds distributed each season. Every seed planted represents an opportunity to grow fresh food, learn a new skill and share knowledge with neighbors.
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Ready to grow something in your community? Whether you’re interested in starting a garden or becoming a UC Master Gardener volunteer, connect with your local UC Master Gardener Program to learn how to get involved. Find a UC Master Gardener Program.
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