Carlow council launches seed library scheme for growing food
Participants will be invited to take seeds this spring and grow crops
IF you’ve ever fancied growing your own vegetables, then now’s the time, thanks to an innovative idea from Carlow Co Council. Its environmental and library departments have come up with a novel idea of creating a seed library for members of the public to access.
They have just launched a new pilot seed library to encourage community food growing, reduce waste and support climate action across Co Carlow.
The seed library will provide free heritage, open pollinated vegetable seeds to community gardens, allotment groups, school garden co-ordinators and local growers participating in the scheme.
Participants will be invited to take seeds this spring, grow crops and, later, attend seed saving workshops to return a portion of saved seeds, creating a circular, community-owned collection that strengthens local biodiversity and reduces reliance on imported seed.
These seeds will not be handed out on a walk in basis; they are available only to those who take part in the programme’s workshops and growing cycle, ensuring that seed is used responsibly and returned at harvest time.
“Building on our involvement with the ‘Grow It Yourself Leaf’ project, Carlow Co Council Libraries are proud to be part of this new seed library pilot. Libraries have always been places where communities come to learn, share and build skills, and this project brings that spirit into the world of food growing.
“By supporting people to grow their own produce and return seed for others, we’re helping to create a circular, low waste system that benefits the entire county. We look forward to welcoming participants to the workshops and seeing this initiative grow over the coming seasons,” said Dermot O’Leary, Carlow Skills for Life co-ordinator.
To launch the project, local grower and seed expert Molly Aylesbury of Bare Necessities will deliver two free Grow Your Own workshops in Carlow library on Saturdays 21 and 28 March at 11am. Booking in advance with Molly is essential, as only registered participants will be able to access the seed supply and take part in the full cycle.
“Saving seed is one of the oldest skills we have, and it’s something anyone can learn,” said Molly. “By growing heritage varieties and returning the seeds to the library, we’re building a shared local resource that will only get stronger each year. I’m delighted to support this project and help people in Carlow take practical, achievable steps towards food resilience, reduced food miles and stronger community connections.”
Two additional harvesting and seed saving workshops are scheduled for Saturday 8 August and Saturday 19 September to complete the cycle.
The initiative supports Carlow’s commitment to the circular economy, community wealth building, climate action and waste reduction, while giving local people practical skills to grow food, reduce food miles and build community resilience.
The initiative is the brainchild of Carlow Co Council environment and libraries sections, supported by Libraries Ireland’s Skills for Life programme.
Places are limited. To book, contact Molly on 085 7260278 or email barenecessities@gmail.com.
