Bath County Memorial Library

Seed Library

Welcome to the Bath County Memorial Library Seed Library.

Grow something new — free with your library card.

Whether you’re planting your first garden or expanding what you already grow, our Seed Library makes it easy to get started — no green thumb required. Seeds are available free to all cardholders at every BCML location, so you can pick some up whenever you stop by.

Our mission is to support sustainable gardening, local food production, and a stronger sense of community — one seed at a time. By sharing seeds and knowledge, we hope to help Bath County residents build healthy habits and a deeper connection to the land around them.

Good Things Grow Here

How It Works

It's as simple as 1, 2, grow.

1. Grab your library card All you need to participate is an active BCML library card. Don’t have one yet? Sign up for free at any branch.

2. Visit any BCML location Seeds are available at all Bath County Memorial Library locations. Just ask at the front desk or look for the Seed Library display.

3. Choose your seeds & start growing Browse our selection of flowers, herbs, fruits, and veggies — then take them home and get planting. We recommend starting with what grows best in our region and season.

This Season's Selection

Find Your Next Favorite Plant

Browse our current seed varieties by category — flowers, herbs, fruits, and veggies. Selection updates seasonally, so check back often to see what’s new. Ready to grow? Stop by any BCML location and take some home today.

Flowers

Wildflower (Deer Resistant Mix)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Average | Height: 36–48 in | Days to Maturity: 60–90
Bellis (English Daisy Mix)
Sun: Full/Partial | Moisture: Rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained | Height: up to 6 in | Days to Maturity: 60–75
Zinnia (California Giant Mix)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Moist, enriched, warm, well-drained | Height: 30–48 in | Days to Maturity: 75–90
Lavender (English Vera)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Light, dry, sandy, well-drained | Height: Upright | Days to Maturity: 90–120+ (Perennial)
Sunflower (Mammoth Grey Stripe)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Average, rich, loamy, well-drained | Height: 108–114 in | Days to Maturity: 90–110

Herbs

Dill (Dukat)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Well-drained loam | Height: 18–36 in | Days to Maturity: 40–60
Parsley (Dark Green Italian Flat Leaf)
Sun: Full/Partial | Moisture: Rich, moist, well-drained | Height: Upright | Days to Maturity: 40–60
Peppermint
Sun: Full | Moisture: Fertile, consistently moist, well-drained | Height: 13–24 in | Days to Maturity: 90–100
Basil (Italian Large Leaf)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Consistently moist, fertile, well-drained | Height: 13–24 in | Days to Maturity: 60–90

Fruits + Veggies

Pumpkin (Sugar Pie)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Fertile, composted, moist, well-drained | Height: 18–24 in | Days to Maturity: 85–100
Cabbage (Golden Acre)
Sun: Full/Partial | Moisture: Composted (pH 6–7.5) | Height: Mound | Days to Maturity: 65
Cantaloupe (Hearts of Gold)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Warm, well-drained, moist loamy-sandy | Height: 13–15 in | Days to Maturity: 80–90
Watermelon (Sugar Baby Mini)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Loose, high organic material, well-drained | Height: 13–18 in | Days to Maturity: 75–80
Eggplant (Long Purple)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Well-drained, composted | Height: Upright | Days to Maturity: 80
Cucumber (Straight Eight)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Rich, well-drained (pH 6–6.8) | Height: 18–30 in | Days to Maturity: 55–65
Radish (Purple Plum)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Moist, well-drained | Height: Upright | Days to Maturity: 30–50
Sweet Pepper (Golden Treasure Hybrid)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Well-drained, loose, slightly acidic | Height: 18–24 in | Days to Maturity: 65–80
Carrot (Danvers 126)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Loose, loamy, composted, well-drained | Height: 13–18 in | Days to Maturity: 65–70
Tomato (Roma VF Paste)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Well-drained, loose, slightly acidic | Height: 18–36 in | Days to Maturity: 75–80
Tomato (Aunt Ruby’s German Green)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Well-drained, loose, slightly acidic | Height: 36–96 in | Days to Maturity: 80
Tomato (Ponderosa Red)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Well-drained, loose, slightly acidic | Height: 36–96 in | Days to Maturity: 80
Bush Bean (Strike)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Well-drained, nutrient-rich, loamy | Height: 13–24 in | Days to Maturity: 50–65
Lettuce (Sweet Valentine Romaine)
Sun: Full/Partial | Moisture: Well-drained, fertile | Height: Upright | Days to Maturity: 55–65
Corn (Golden Bantam 8)
Sun: Full | Moisture: Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic | Height: 48–60 in | Days to Maturity: 75–85

New to Gardening? We've Got You.

Getting Started

Everyone starts somewhere. Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your seeds this season.

Tips:

Start small. It’s tempting to grab a little of everything — but starting with 2–3 varieties gives you a better chance of success and makes it easier to learn what works in your space.
Read the seed packet. Each variety in our collection includes growing info like sun requirements, moisture needs, and days to maturity. Match those conditions to your garden spot before you plant.
Know your light. Most vegetables and many flowers need 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Before planting, spend a day watching how the sun moves across your space.
Don’t skip the water. Consistent moisture is key, especially right after planting. Most seedlings do best when the soil stays evenly moist — not soggy, not dry.
Be patient. Some seeds take weeks to sprout. Give them time, keep conditions consistent, and resist the urge to dig them up too soon.
Save your seeds. At the end of the season, let a few plants go to seed and save them. You can return extras to the Seed Library for other community members to enjoy.
Ask us! Our staff love to help. If you have questions about what to plant or how to get started, stop by any BCML branch — we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Ready to start growing?

Stop by any Bath County Memorial Library location, grab your seeds, and see what’s possible this season. It’s free, it’s fun, and your library card is all you need.