The Indianapolis Public Library Seed Library service makes free seeds available for pick-up at all branch locations each growing season. In addition to free seeds, check out resources and attend workshops about growing and using plants from your seeds!
Seeds Available: March - September
Limit: 1 packet of each type of seed per household
For a full calendar listing of our gardening programs and many resources targeted to successful local gardening in Indianapolis, see our Gardening blog post.
Made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Available seeds while supplies last:
Flowers
Coneflower
Marigold
Milkweed
Nasturtium
Sunflower
Yarrow
Zinnia
Specialty (limited)
Butternut Squash
Callaloo
Cover Crop - Crimson Clover
Cover Crop - Spring Oats
Culantro
Epazote
Four O’Clock
Green Beans - Pole
Lettuce - Romaine
Mexican Sunflower
Okra
Oregano
Roselle (Sour Leaf)
Swiss Chard
Tomatillo
Turnip
Wildflower Mix - Indiana
Herbs
Basil - Genovese
Basil - Thai
Cilantro
Dill
Garlic Chives
Mexican Mint Marigold
Parsley
Thyme
Vegetables
Black Beans
Carrots
Collard Greens
Cucumbers
Green Beans - Bush
Lettuce - Leaf
Kale
Peas - Snow
Peppers - Jalapeño
Peppers - Sweet Bell
Pumpkins
Radishes
Spinach
Tomatoes - Cherry
Tomatoes - Slicing
Zucchini
West Perry Gardening Group
West Perry Branch
Gardens are essentially a place of sharing and gardeners know that we learn a lot from each other--whether you're just starting or experienced. Sessions will feature seasonal discussions, resources--like our Seed Library--and connections with other gardeners.
Seed Library Support - East 38th Street
East 38th Street Branch
Work with fellow volunteers to pack seeds for our 2025 Seed Library! Join in on some literal bean counting, use your finger to measure out teensy oregano bits, and use scoops of different sizes to measure out flower seeds.
Vegetable Gardening 101
Haughville Branch
Join Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp to learn some of the very basics about growing and enjoying your own vegetables.
Book Lists & Resources
Adults
- Plantable Paper and Other Fun Seedy-ness
- Botanical and Herb Garden Creations
- Eating the Season
- Edible Flowers
- Flower Gardening in Indiana
- Flower Gardening with a Plan
- Free Gardening Docs from Purdue
- Garden Pest Management
- Garden Photography
- Gardening e-Books
- Gardening in an Apartment (or other small space!)
- Grow Food, Not Lawns
- Growing Fruit in the City
- Indoor Kitchen Gardens
- Not e-Books...other Digital Gardening Resources
- Plant Buddies
- A Rose is Rose is a Rose
- Soil Health
Adult Fiction
Kids
- Cloistered Gardening for Kiddos
- Gardening for Kids
- How Does Your Garden Grow
- Let it Grow! Springtime Flowers and Gardens
- Little Indoor Gardens for Kids - Terrariums & the Hydrologic Cycle
- Plants for Kids - Experiments and Activities for Backyard Botanists
- Seeds and Sprouts
- Seeds to Grow
Resources
- DIY Online Storytime: Read Right Now! Gardening
Making a connection between gardening and food is an important skill for small children. Where does food come from BEFORE it is in the grocery store? We can help you get started learning about where food comes from!
