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 (while supplies last)
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.
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
Seed Library Support at Beech Grove
Beech Grove Branch
Work with fellow volunteers to pack seeds for our 2026 Seed Library! Measure out bulk seeds into envelopes that community members can take home and grow.
Seed Library Support at East Washington
East Washington Branch
Work with fellow volunteers to pack seeds for our 2026 Seed Library! Measure out bulk seeds into envelopes that community members can take home and grow.
Pike Gardening Group
Pike 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. Lead by a librarian/master gardener.
Book Lists for 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
- Plant Buddies
- Soil Health
Adult Fiction
Book Lists for 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
- 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!