SEED LIBRARY

The Bruton Memorial Seed Library is open to all community patrons who want to start or enhance a garden. Patrons can check out up to three seed packets per month. Both flower and edible seeds are available. Packets are non-returnable, but seed donations are accepted.

This page is intended to provide basic information on how to start your own garden, as well as further resources that are freely accessible and offer an abundance of information on different aspects of a garden.

The Seed Library is meant to be educational, freeing, and fun! Gardening has many benefits, from the smallest to the biggest plant, Bruton Memorial Library is ready to help you take your first step in your gardening journey!

View our seed inventory

Temperature
Light& Water

The Soil needs to be warm; above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper light is essential for plant growth once the seed sprouts leaves. When the seeds are in the soil and the process to germinate, make sure you water them with a mister or gentle pressure.

Fertilizer

If you use commercial seed starting mix, fertilizer will not be as important in the beginning; yet weeks in, you will need to start considering a fertilizer. Hint: there are natural DIY fertilizers that you can make at home for a low cost

Transplant

"Hardening off" your plant, which is when you take it outside for a few hours, will help prevent "transplant shock." A few days before the transplant, leave the plant outside all day and night for a successful transition.

Garden layout

A fun step is creating your garden layout. This will allow for you to understand how much space you are going to use and how to arrange your seeds. Get creative!

Gardening Tools for Success

Supplemental Tools

Whether you already have a garden and just want to add some extra loving to your seeds or you are trying your green thumb for the first time, these are some additional tools that can make you feel like a professional.

• Shovel •Rake •Tape measure •Moisture meter

Recommended Resources

Local Community
• Plant City Community Garden
• Temple Terrace Seed Library

At the Library
• 635 Dewey Decimal in Non-Fiction section
• Search the library catalog

Organizations
• Seed Savers Exchange
• Florida Native Plant Society
• University of Florida IFAS Extension Office
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations