Borrow, save and share seeds at libraries

Did you know you can borrow seeds from any Sunshine Coast Library — just like borrowing a book?
The Seed Library is a simple, sustainable way to grow fresh food at home while helping strengthen our region’s local seed diversity.

Here’s how to get started and how you can give back to keep the cycle growing.

How the seed library works

1. borrow seeds from your local library
2. grow them at home — veggies, herbs, flowers or natives
3. save some seeds once your plants mature
4. return a portion so other residents can grow them too.

It’s a community-powered system that thrives thanks to home gardeners who donate seeds from their own patch. Every contribution helps build a more resilient local food system and supports plant diversity across the Sunshine Coast.

Harvesting seeds is much easier than most people think. Follow these simple steps to collect and return seeds with confidence.

1. Choose your best plants

Pick healthy, productive plants in your garden. Strong plants produce strong seeds.

2. Let them fully mature

Allow fruit, flowers or seed pods to mature on the plant.
✔ Ripe fruit
✔ Brown, dry flowers
✔ Fully formed seed pods

3. Collect and clean

Once mature, harvest the seeds.
Remove any pulp, husk or debris so the seeds store well.

4. Dry completely

Spread seeds out in a warm, shaded spot until they’re crisp and dry.
This prevents mould and ensures they last longer.

5. Label and store

Place seeds in envelopes or small jars, then clearly label:

• plant name
• variety
• harvest date

Good labelling helps other gardeners know exactly what they’re growing.

6. Return to your library

Drop your labelled seeds into the donation box at your nearest Sunshine Coast Library.
Every returned seed helps keep this free community resource thriving.

Summer is a great time to collect warm-season seeds. Here are some easy options for beginners:

🍅 Tomatoes

Let tomatoes fully ripen, scoop out seeds, rinse well and dry.

🫑 Capsicums & Chillies

Choose brightly coloured, fully matured fruit. Slice open and collect the loose seeds from inside.

🌿 Basil

Wait until flower heads turn brown and dry. Gently crumble them to remove seeds.

🥒 Zucchini

Let the zucchini grow large and overripe. Cut it open and scrape out mature seeds.

All of these make excellent donations and are favourites with local gardeners.

By donating seeds, you’re helping to:

🌱 Preserve locally adapted plant varieties
🌱 Strengthen community food resilience
🌱 Reduce packaging and waste
🌱 Support a free resource available to all residents

Find more information about the Seed Library on the Sunshine Coast Libraries website.