Get Growing

Enjoy environmental literacy initiatives at the library including a seed library, outdoor gardening opportunities, and hydroponic indoor growing.

Happy black father and son watering plants together.
Group of kindergarten kids learning gardening outdoors

Discover All You Can Grow at the Library

As part of our focus on helping the community build environmental literacy skills, we’re excited to introduce new initiatives at the library that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about food production and food sustainability along with increased awareness around caring for the environment.

We invite you to take part and discover more about:

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    Environmental Literacy
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    Food Security
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    Community Building

Seed Library

NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL WPL LOCATIONS

Our Seed Library is an opportunity for customers to take seeds home and grow their very own garden. WPL’s seeds include vegetables, herbs and flowers that encourage native pollinators.

As part of our Get Growing initiative, we want to take environmental literacy, food literacy and sustainability off a printed page, and into your home. Contribute to our sharing economy by harvesting seeds at the end of the planting season and bringing them back to the library to be shared with our community next year. You can also learn more about how planting impacts pollination, keeping our bees thriving, through planting and gardening resources and programs at WPL. 

Person holding basket with freshly picked vegetables.

Seed Library FAQs

  • How many seed packets can I take?

    There is a maximum of 5 seed packets per household.

    This limit does NOT apply to community harvested seeds.

  • Where can I get the seeds?

    A selection of seeds will be available at all our locations. Not all varieties will be available at all locations.

  • Where did WPL get the seeds for the Seed Library?
    We purchased our seeds from two reputable Ontario companies:
    • The majority of our seeds are from the Ontario Seed Company (OSC) located in Kitchener-Waterloo
    • Our Wild Bergamot, Foxglove Beardtongue and Black-eyed Susan seeds are from Kayanase, an Indigenous greenhouse in Ohsweken, Ontario
  • How will I know how to plant my seeds? Do they need to be planted early or in special conditions?

    Seed Library Seeds

    Planting instructions for Seed Library seeds can be found below under Seed Information. These seeds have been selected and prepared by library staff, and can be planted following the instructions provided – no special preparation is required.

    Community Harvested Seeds

    You may also wish to take come some community‑harvested seeds, which were generously donated by library users from their own gardens. These seeds have not been fully vetted, and detailed planting instructions are not provided. Because of this, some community‑harvested seeds may need to be planted early or treated in special ways.

    For example, some seeds – especially certain native plants – require cold moist stratification, a process that mimics winter by keeping seeds cool and slightly damp for a period of time (often 30, 60, or 90 days) before planting.

    If you are taking community harvested seeds, we recommending doing some basic research using the plant name to learn more about its specific planting needs. Staff can assist in this process if you need help.

  • What seeds do you have available in the Seed Library?

    We have a selection of herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers. The full list of items can be found below in our Seed Information accordion.

    Seeds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Not all seeds are available at all locations.

    Each location will also have a selection of community harvested seeds for customers to browse and take.

  • What are community harvested seeds? How are they different from seeds in the Seed Library?

    Community harvested seeds were collected by members of our community from their personal gardens. Seeds in the Seed Library come from trusted sources such as seed companies and local greenhouses and are therefore more consistent in quality, while community harvested seeds results may vary more in variety and growth. Community harvested seeds offer a fun opportunity to experiment, share, and see what grows.

    If you are taking community‑harvested seeds, we recommend doing a quick online search using the plant name to learn about its specific planting needs.

  • What is companion planting?

    Companion plants are plants that grow well together. Plants can help each other by repelling insects, providing needed nutrients in the soil and providing physical support or shade for other plants. One classic example is The Three Sisters: corn, beans and squash. Planted together, the three sisters yield far more veggies than when they’re planted separately. Our seed varieties were selected with companion planting in mind to help you make the most of your garden.

    You can find more information on companion planting from the following websites:  

  • How do I harvest my own seeds?

    Saving seeds and returning them to the seed library will help keep our collection sustainable and creates a sharing culture in our community. You will also help to preserve seed lineage and promote biodiversity.  

    Tips for Seed Harvesting 

    • Choose seeds from the strongest, healthiest plants that are open-pollinated (naturally pollinated) by insects, wind or other natural means. Avoid harvesting seeds from hybrid varieties.
    • Seeds with pods or husks can be left to dry on the plants before picking out the seeds. Seeds should turn brown and brittle before harvesting. For example: broccoli, beans, peas, radish, carrots, and lettuce. 
    • Wet seeds should be washed and dried, turning regularly to discourage mold growth. For example: tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, melons, zucchini, peppers and watermelons. 
    • Store in a cool, dry place. 

    Find more information about seed harvesting here:  

  • How do I return or donate seeds to WPL's Seed Library?

    Harvested seed donations are greatly appreciated. Seed donation envelopes are available at all WPL locations. Please label your envelope with as much information as possible, including common name/variety and harvesting date. Only one seed variety per packet. Drop off seed donations to staff at any WPL location for sharing with the community next year. Please do not put seeds in returns bins.

  • Do I need a library card to use the Seed Library?
    No. Anyone is welcome to use the Seed Library.

Seed Information

  • Cilantro / Coriander
    Close up of the leaves of cilantro herb

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Lettuces, Herbs, Beans, Onions

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow after last frost.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Fernleaf Dill
    Close up of dill stems and leaves

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Annual (will self seed)

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Cucumbers, Herbs, Onions

    Planting Information: Sun, direct-sow 6mm deep and 2.5cm apart, mid-April to mid-July.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Oregano
    Close up of oregano leaves

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Perennial

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Basil, Squash, Cucumbers, Pest Control

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 6mm deep and 3mm apart, mid-to-late May.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Chives
    Chives flowering

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Perennial

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Pest Control, Carrots, Broccoli, Onions, Beets

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 6mm deep and 2.5cm apart, mid-to-late May.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Italian Plain Leaved Parsley
    Close up of Italian parsley leaves

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Carrots, Chives, Corn, Onions, Other Herbs

    Planting Information: Soak seeds overnight and sow 6mm deep and 10cm apart, mid-May.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Organic Sweet Basil
    Close up of basil leaves

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Pest Control, Lettuces, Other Herbs, Root Vegetables

    Planting Information: Sow outdoors mid to late-May, full sun.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Early Wonder Beets
    Close up of beets

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Lettuce, Beans, Onions, Radish, Swiss Chard

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow in sandy soil, 1.2cm deep and 2.5cm apart mid-May to mid-July.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Green Magic Hybrid Broccoli
    Broccoli growing in a garden

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Beets, Dill, Radishes

    Planting Information: Full sun, start indoors then transplant outdoors after 7-10 days, 45cm apart in rows.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Rainbow Blend Carrots
    Rainbow blend carrots

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Biennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Onions, Peas

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 7-15mm deep in rows 45cm apart mid-May.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Blue Lake Bush Bean
    Close up of green beans

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Corn, Squash

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 2.5cm deep and 8cm apart, late-May to mid-July.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Kentucky Wonder Wax Yellow Pole Bean
    Close up of yellow beans

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Corn, Squash

    Planting Information: Full sun, direct sow 2.5cm deep & 8cm apart, grow on trellis or pole, late-May.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Early Scarlet Globe Radish
    Bunch of radishes

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Lettuces

    Planting Information: Sun, sow every 2-weeks deep & 2.5cm apart in rows 30cm apart, mid-summer.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Marketmore Cucumber (Slicing Type)
    Field cucumbers in a basket

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Dill, Corn, Sunflowers, Beans, Radishes, Herbs

    Planting Information: Full sun, direct sow, 2cm deep in a soil hill 30-60cm across apart 6-8 seeds per hill, mid-summer.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Sugar Snap Peas
    close up of sugar snap peas

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Carrots, Beans, Corn, Cucumbers

    Planting Information: Full sun, direct sow in double rows spaced 25cm apart with the seed 6.5cm apart within the row and 1.25-2.5cm deep, early summer (April to mid-May).

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Early Yellow Globe Onion
    Close up of yellow onions

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Carrots, Herbs, Cantaloupe, Lettuces

    Planting Information: Full sun, sow direct 8-15mm deep and 15mm apart from mid-April.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Bilicious Sweet Corn Hybrid
    Close up of sweet corn still on the cob

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Beans, Squash

    Planting Information: Full sun, sow 10-15cm apart in rows, at least 3 rows, or in hills with 3-4 seeds per hill, mid-May to early June.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Dark Zucchini Squash
    Close up of dark green zucchini.

    Category: Vegetable (Squash)

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Beans, Corn, Nasturtiums

    Planting Information: Full sun, start indoors or sow direct late-spring 2.5cm deep in hills 2.4m apart with 4-6 seeds per hill. After germination thin to 3 plants per hill.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Waltham Butternut Squash (Winter Type)
    Close up of butternut squash

    Category: Vegetable (Squash)

    OSC SKU: 2260

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Beans, Corn, Nasturtiums

    Planting Information: Full sun, direct sow 2.5cm deep in hills 2.4m apart 4-6 seeds per hill, late May to mid-June.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Howden Pumpkin
    Pumpkin sitting in a pumpkin patch

    Category: Vegetable (Squash)

    OSC SKU: 2055

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Beans, Corn, Nasturtiums

    Planting Information: Full sun, start indoors or sow direct late spring 2.5cm deep in hills 2.4m apart with 4-6 seeds per hill. After germination thin to 3 plants per hill.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Bib Lettuce (Butterhead Type)
    Close up of bib lettuce in a garden

    Category: Vegetable (Lettuce)

    OSC SKU: 1745

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Radish, Carrots, Beans, Peas, Herbs

    Planting Information: Sun loving cool weather. Sow 3mm deep in rows 45cm apart. Even supply of moisture during entries growth period imperative for success. Mid-spring. Sow direct every two weeks as long as weather is cool.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Bright Lights Swiss Chard
    Swiss chard leaves and stalks laying on a table

    Category: Vegetable (Lettuce)

    Perennial or Annual? Biennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Onions, Chives, Lettuces, Carrots, Beans

    Planting Information: Sun to partial shade. Sow 1-2cm deep, 2.5cm apart, in rows 45cm apart. Sow mid-spring, bi-weekly until early July for ongoing supply. Gradually thin to 10cm apart.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Little Gem Mini Lettuce (Romaine or Cos Type)
    Close up of mini lettuce (romaine)

    Category: Vegetable (Lettuce)

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Radish, Carrots, Beans, Peas, Herbs

    Planting Information: Sun loving cool weather. Sow 3mm deep in rows 45cm apart. Mid-spring. Sow every two weeks for continuous supply.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Hale's Best Cantaloupe
    Cantaloupe cut into slices

    Category: Fruit

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Onions, Chives, Nasturtiums, Bush Beans

    Planting Information: Sun, south facing wind-sheltered site, sow 5 seeds 2.5cm per hills 1.5-2cm apart, warm soil, late spring.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Sugar Baby Watermelon
    Field watermelon cut into slices

    Category: Fruit

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Dill

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 6-8 seeds per hill, 12mm deep in hills spaced 1.8-2.4m apart, early Summer.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Bee Pollinator Meadow Seed Mixture
    Wildflowers

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual & Perennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Vegetables that need pollinators

    Planting Information: Sun, sprinkle seeds onto prepared bed, soil loosened to 2.5cm, early May to mid-June or mid-Sept to late Oct.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Native Ontario Pollinator Seed Mixture
    A monarch butterfly sitting on a milkweed plant

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual & Perennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Vegetables that need pollinators

    Planting Information: Sun, sprinkle seeds onto prepared bed, soil loosened to 2.5cm, early May to mid-June or mid-Sept to late Oct.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Colour Fashion Mixed Sunflower Seeds
    Small colour fashion sunflowers

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Onions

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 6-12mm deep and 7.5-10cm apart, late May.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • French Petite Marigold (Miniature Type)
    close up of marigolds

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Pest control for many vegetables

    Planting Information: Full sun, direct sow 6mm deep, mid-to-late May.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Tall Climbing Mixed Nasturtium
    Climbing nasturtium

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Pest control for many vegetables

    Planting Information: Full sun to partial shade, direct sow 2.5cm deep and 5cm apart, late May.

    Source: Ontario Seed Company (OSC)

    Learn More
  • Black-eyed Susan
    Close up of Black-eyed Susan in bloom

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Biennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Other pollinators, vegetables that need pollinators

    Planting Information: Sun, scatter seeds, moist, well-drained soil, Jun-Oct.

    Source: Kayanase Greenhouse

  • Wild Bergamot
    Wild Bergamot in bloom.

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Perennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Other pollinators, vegetables that need pollinators

    Planting Information: Sun, part shade, dry or moist soil, direct sow spring, blooms May-Sep.

    Source: Kayanase Greenhouse

  • Foxglove Beardtongue
    Foxglove Beardtongue stem in bloom.

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Perennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Other pollinators, vegetables that need pollinators

    Planting Information: Sun, well-drained soil, direct sow in autumn or store 4 weeks in cold before planting, blooms May-Jun.

    Source: Kayanase Greenhouse

The Naturespace at the Eastside Branch with raised flower boxes, a water table for kids, tables and shade structures.

Naturespace Garden Boxes

Our Naturespace garden boxes feature a mix of pollinators, native plants and even vegetables. These boxes help to enhance and sustain the environment around the Eastside Branch while providing opportunities for learning and engaging with the natural environment. The boxes are designed with an accessible side to allow for everyone to participate in the gardening process.

The new garden boxes were co-designed by our Teen Events Team, who will be volunteering their time to nurture the plantings. The garden boxes will be used for programs and will be planted by library staff and community members alike.

As an added bonus, the pollinator plants in the garden boxes will provide a source of pollen for our beehive.

Grow Towers

Grow towers are vertical hydroponic gardens where food is cultivated in a soilless environment, receiving essential nutrients through a continuous water flow. The Eastside Branch has two grow towers that will operate and produce food year-round. As items become ready to be picked, staff will harvest the veggies and make them available for customers to take home.

The grow towers act to foster ongoing discussions about food insecurity in Canada as well as highlighting technology for food production in challenging environments like Canada’s far North. The sunlamp-equipped lights will support year-round plant growth, adding vibrancy to library spaces.

Green lettuce growing on a vertical hydroponic tower system

Grow Towers FAQs

  • How do the grow towers work?

    The plants grow without soil; their roots are held in rock wool. They get watered automatically for five minutes every 45 minutes, all day and night. The lights are on a 14 hour schedule. Every three weeks, we refill and check the water, nutrients, and pH levels.

  • What do you grow in the grow towers?

    We will grow a variety of plants on a rotational basis. Once plants are harvested we will plant new seeds to grow. Signage will accompany the grow towers to let customers know what is currently growing.

    Some of the plants we grow will come from seeds in our Seed Library.

  • What will happen with the plants when they are ready to be picked?

    Once plants have reached maturation they will be harvested by staff and made available to the public to take home. Harvests happen on Wednesdays (when there are items ready and available to be picked).

  • Will the grow towers operate all year long?

    Yes! The grow towers will be available year-round, with major maintenance occurring twice a year in September and March. During that time, the grow towers will be removed for a deep clean before being returned.

Interested in learning more about our teaching beehive?

That’s right! We’ve got a functioning beehive at our Eastside Branch. Learn more about our hive and accompanying programs and events.

Learn More