The Tiverton Public Library is happy to announce the launch of its seed exchange program!
Our collection of donated commercial and home-grown seeds is located in the Gardening Section of the Library’s collection, just outside the Local History Room.
Borrow Seeds
- Everyone is entitled to take seeds. There is no cost and you are not required to donate or return seeds.
- Please take only what you can grow and leave the rest for your neighbors -- at most 5 seed packets per visit.
- ‘Borrow’ the seeds by filling out our Visitor’s Log. This will help us to track which seeds are most in demand.
Plant Them at Home
- Plant your seeds according to the directions and enjoy your harvest!
Help Us Grow!
- Though not required, you are welcome to donate any seeds you harvest.
- Please bring your donated seeds to the Information Desk and fill out a donation form. Please be sure to follow the guidelines listed on the front of the donation form.
- We also accept unopened, unused seed packets. No donation form is required for commercially prepackaged seeds.
Check Out Our Special Collection of Native Seeds!
The library also has a special collection of native seeds, available at the Information Desk.
Click the button below to see what seeds we have available for “check-out.”
This special collection is part of Grow RI Native Seeds (GRINS), a new, statewide initiative made possible in part by a grant from the RI Office of Library and Information Services using funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Our goal is to empower Rhode Islanders to grow and champion native plants via seeds, information, and programming organized by our local libraries.
Additional Resources
The library has a wide selection of materials on gardening and seed saving.
This page features guides, articles, videos, and other resources to help you grow your garden or backyard habitat.
The Seed Savers Exchange website features a number of resources on garden planning and seed saving.
This initiative of the Native Plant Trust provides resources on plants native to New England, including plant details, identification, and native distribution.
Rhode Island Wild Plant Society
The Rhode Island Wild Plant Society’s website is also a great information resource. Look for cultivation notes on individual plants, among other publications.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
A great database for comprehensive information about native plant species, including growing conditions, wildlife benefits, native distribution, and more.
This regional plant list highlights native plants that are highly attractive as food sources for adult pollinators; support caterpillars of butterflies and moths; serve as nesting material or sites for certain bees; provide pollen for bees with specialized pollen needs; and feed beneficial predators and parasitoids that contribute to pest control.
Whether you’re planting in your yard, on a windowsill, or in a public space, you can help create more bird-friendly habitats with native plants. Find the best plants for your area (and where to get them).
Interested in Upcoming Gardening Programs?
Sign up for our monthly newsletter to get the latest news on upcoming events.
Join the Grow RI Native Seeds (GRINS) Network!
Become an RI native seed champion! Join our network to receive information, news, updates, and special seed offerings.
Many thanks to the URI Master Gardeners, the RI Office of Library and Information Services, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services for their support.