Editor’s Note: This article has been edited to include background on the Public Seed Library and to include Farrow’s correct role.
Corvallis’ Public Seed Library is working to sow the seeds of knowledge and, of course, vegetables.
On May 18th, from 9:30 a.m to noon, the Public Seed Library will host its seasonal Garden Plant Clinic, during which people are encouraged to explore a wide selection of seeds and share with each other their own issues and successes.
Jill Farrow, founder of the Public Seed Library and one of many volunteers working to make the library possible, is a master gardener and attended Oregon State University for her college degree. Farrow founded the Public Seed Library last year with the main goals of sharing, giving and empathy.
According to Farrow, the Public Seed Library is a project sponsored by both the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition’s Food Action Team and the Corvallis Benton-County Library. The organization is volunteer-run and receives assistance from the Oregon State University Extension Service, Benton County Master Gardeners and other local industry experts, with seed donations from local business and community members.
“The intent of the Public Seed Library is to help people grow more food, locally owned businesses and community members are encouraged to share packets of vegetables, herbs and flowers seeds and to share their experience in how to grow a healthy and productive garden” Farrow said.
According to Farrow, the plant clinic is seasonal; the seeds up for selection are based on what will grow inside and outside.
In addition to the pop-up plant clinics, they also host presentations every month. Past presentations include composting, soil management and understanding the weather’s effects on a garden.
“The wonderful opportunity we’ve created at the public seed library is for people to share not only their seeds but their growing challenges and successes every gardener runs into problems and it feels great to realize that others face the same problems and that help is available,” Farrow said.
The event will be free and allow those attending the opportunity to expand their gardens and their knowledge on how to grow a garden. Learn more about their resources here.
