Seeds have the power to multiply and create abundance. This was evident during a recent gathering at the native plant garden in Pottawatomie Park field house in Rogers Park. A group of about 20 individuals came together to learn about seed-saving skills from pollinator biologist Imeña Valdes, who is also a member of the Rogers Park Seed Library. The library, founded in 2019, collects and distributes free fruit, vegetable, flower, and native plant seeds to address the challenges faced by Chicagoans in growing their own food.
The seeds collected by the library come from various sources, including people’s gardens, seed packs, garden stores, and even mutual aid groups like the Cooperative Gardens Commission. The library not only provides free seeds but also offers workshops on seed-saving techniques so that community members can learn to save seeds from one harvest for the next.
Valdes shared valuable tips on saving native plant seeds, emphasizing the importance of leaving seed heads for other animals and for the germination of future plants. She explained the process of storing seeds in paper envelopes with proper labeling and highlighted the significance of providing habitats for pollinators like native bees and other insects during the winter months.
The workshop participants were encouraged to practice generosity and reciprocity when it comes to seeds. As Olly Costello, one of the founding members of the library, noted, “One seed becomes hundreds becomes thousands so easily.” The library has already distributed hundreds of thousands of seeds and continues to receive donations to support its mission of promoting abundance and collective contribution.
For those interested in getting involved with the Rogers Park Seed Library, the group meets monthly and welcomes volunteers. Information about upcoming events can be found on their Instagram page or by emailing rpseedlibrary@gmail.com. To order seeds from the library, a Google Form is available in late February for a suggested donation of $5 to cover shipping costs.
In addition to the Rogers Park Seed Library, there are seed libraries at select Chicago Public Library branches. These initiatives aim to empower individuals to grow their own food, save seeds, and contribute to building a community based on sharing and belonging. By learning about seed-saving techniques and supporting local seed libraries, individuals can take steps towards sustainable and resilient food systems.
