The Fort Vancouver Regional Library (FVRL) in Washougal has a SEED LIBRARY with FREE seeds!   You can borrow seeds (permanently).

Below is the current list of seeds available, and a “sneak” look at just some of the additional seeds coming soon.  (Lots more yet!)

Due to COVID, you can’t actually go inside the library to browse.  To “borrow” seeds, send an email to “rries@fvrl.org” with your list of no more than 3 to 5 seed packets per week per family.  If you have a FVRL or Camas library card, include that number, as well. (Though you don’t need a library card to “borrow” seeds, you’ll still need to make the request by email.)

You’ll get an email when the seeds are ready; pick them up at the Washougal branch curbside pickup just like you do for books.   (See http://www.fvrl.org/loc/wa and look for “Find out how to… Pick up items curbside”.)

Starting Seeds:  Some seeds may be started directly in the ground, while others need to be started indoors with special lighting.  It is still not too late to start most indoor seedlings now.   Many of the heat loving plants (for example tomatoes and peppers) shouldn’t be put outside until after Mother’s Day.  When you do put them out, your plants may still need to have row covers over them at night.

Each plant variety is different and each spring is different, too.  Many of the old timers in Clark County say never to plant before the snow is gone from Silver Star Mountain.  (It is still snow clad today!)  A good vegetable planting guide for our area may be found here:  https://portlandnursery.com/docs/veggies/VeggieCalendar.pdf .

Germination Rates:  While using seeds packed for the current spring (2021), is always best, older seeds often still have reasonable germination rates.  Several of our garden club members have seen about a 10% per year loss of germination from most seeds.  As an example, seeds packed for 2018 (3 years ago) may have a germination rate closer to 70%.

Donate Seeds:  If you wish to donate seeds, email to the “request” seeds address to make arrangements, or simply show up at the library during regular hours, ring the bell and give them your seeds. They’d prefer seeds that are in “good condition” and preferably no older than 3-4 years old as those have a higher germination rate.

We’ll update the lists as the library adds/deletes seeds from their available list.

[Image:  B.R.]