Free seeds are 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: 5 packets per visit

Donations
Seeds may be donated using donation envelopes available at any library branch. Donations must include common name, month, and year seed was saved, and name of saver (if hybrid or treated, that must also be noted). Any donations that do not include these items or that are not in the donation envelopes will be removed.

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 The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund through a grant to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

Available Seeds While Supplies Last

Flowers
Coneflower
Marigold
Milkweed
Nasturtium
Sunflower
Zinnia

Limited Quantity
Callaloo
Crimson Clover (Cover Crop)
Dill
Green - Mizuna
Hyssop - Anise
Okra
Sour Leaf (Roselle)
Spring Oats (Cover Crop)
Sweet Alyssum
Tomatillo
Turnip
Wildflower Mix

Herbs
Basil - Common
Basil - Unique
Chamomile
Cilantro
Parsley
Rosemary
Thyme

Vegetables
Arugula
Beans - Chickpeas
Carrots
Cucumbers
Green Beans
Lettuce
Kale
Peas - Snow
Peppers - Spicy
Peppers - Sweet
Radishes
Squash - Summer
Squash - Winter
Tomatoes - Cherry
Tomatoes - Slicing

Upcoming Programs

Butterflies, Bugs, & Wildlife in Gardens

Central Library

Also called "Where the Wild Things Are," join Jo Ellen to consider how you can invite the wild things into your landscape so they can pollinate plants, eat bugs, and add beauty. Learn which plants provide food and shelter for butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.

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 - Southport

Southport 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.

View More Events

2026 Seed Packet Art Contest

Submit your artwork to be considered for next year's seed packets. All kinds of images are welcome - photos of plants, artwork, photos of food, or scans of paintings or illustrations are all great ideas!

Anyone 14 years of age or older is eligible to submit artwork via this online form.
Artists 13 and younger, or those who prefer, may drop off a submission at any Indianapolis Public Library branch. Be sure to include the name you wish credited for the artwork!
Final artwork will be 1 inch X 1.5 inch. Very small, so keep this in mind with your design. Details will get lost when the work is reduced.
One entry per person.
Deadline for submissions: September 30, 2025

Book Lists & Resources

Book Lists for Adults

Adult Fiction

Dig Up a Mystery

Book Lists for Kids

Resources

Gardening Bulletins from Purdue Extension has a great list of resources about Flowers and Houseplants, Fruits and Nuts, Landscape, Vegetables, and loads of general topics.

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!

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