Frequently Asked Questions

The Seeds & Sustainability Project aims to help the community have a positive impact on the environment through gardening and composting. 

11 San Diego County Library branches are stocked with a supply of starter seeds to promote gardening and access to homegrown food. Those who take seeds from the seed library do not need to later return seeds to share.  

Available seed quantities vary by branch. Please contact the seed library closest to you for details.

No! Seeds do not need to be returned to the library. 

San Diego County Library is offering seeds from a variety of vendors including the local seed companies Botanical Interests and San Diego Seed Company.

Each seed library will feature a variety of food producing seeds such as melon, squash, tomatoes, carrots, and peppers, as well as flowers to support pollinators. Many seeds are California native plants, and others have been regionally adapted for growing in San Diego County (in zones 9 and 10).  

In 2022, San Diego County Library received grant funding to support the launch of seed libraries at 11 branches. Libraries were selected based on community need and to allow for access throughout the region. Following the grant period, seed libraries may expand to other locations.