The Seed Libraries

Housed in repurposed card catalogs, the Ashe and Watauga County Seed Libraries offer free, open-pollinated and heirloom seeds to community members who can take seed packets, grow and enjoy fresh vegetables from their gardens. Patrons are also welcome to then save seeds from those plants, returning the seeds to the Seed Library.

ASHE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Click HERE to check out seeds at the Ashe County Seed Library and to learn more.
Address: ​148 Library Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694

WATAUGA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Click HERE to learn about the Watauga County Seed Library.
Address: 140 Queen St, Boone, NC 28607

Little Free Seed Libraries

Western Watauga Community Center
​Little Free Seed Library

Address: ​1081 Old US Hwy 421, Sugar Grove, NC 28679

Watauga Public Library
​Little Free Seed Library

Address: 140 Queen St, Boone, NC 28607

Many thanks to Debbie and Mike Bauer for creating the Little Free Seed Libraries, Watauga County Public Library for hosting and promoting the seed libraries, and Watauga Cooperative Extension, Lettuce Learn, and Seed Programs International of Asheville for donating seeds!

Where do the seeds come from?

Our Seed Library has found support, or seeding, from several independent seed companies, like: High Mowing Organic Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, and Sow True Seed, as well as Mast General Store, Earth Fare and our area's growing community, specifically: James Davis, Marilyn Derr, Christof den Biggelaar, Jim Veteto, and the seed savers at the High Country Seed Swap & Growers Exchange, and the Lettuce Learn School Garden program.

How can I help?

Each year we seek growers to commit to growing specific local, heirloom varieties for the Seed Library's. Some of these varieties have been grown by western North Carolina or Appalachian growers since the 19th century. By becoming a Dedicated Seed Saver, you will help keep these seeds alive and help connect our community with these varieties. To learn more or to become a Dedicated Seed Saver, please contact Debbie Bauer at dkbauer52@gmail.com. 

​WHY SAVE SEEDS

To keep our long-time vegetables alive. To grow your own food. To form connections with your neighbors. 

The Mission of the Blue Ridge Seed Library Network is to make free seed available to promote food security, build community resilience, and create a culture of sharing. We aspire to encourage and educate our community to grow healthy food by gardening, preserving seed adapted to our area, and gathering historical seed stories of Appalachia.

Resources:

There are so many resources available to beginning and experienced gardeners in our area. Here are a few helpful places: 

• How to Save Seeds: is a link on our website that has growing and saving seed guides, websites, and books.
• Cooperative Extension: is an excellent place to turn to for questions or to learn new techniques. Both the Ashe County Cooperative Extension and the Watauga County Cooperative Extension host workshops, blog posts, guides for growers at all skill levels. 
• Public Library: is filled with books and guides about growing and saving seeds. Both the Ashe County Public Library and the Watauga County Public Library also frequently host readings and workshops on a variety of topics. 
• Blue Ridge Community Garden Network Facebook Group: a local, online community where gardeners share knowledge, ideas, and questions about growing food in western North Carolina.

• Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture: hosts regular workshops on growing and cooking food, connects community gardens and home gardeners with resources.