Check out the Old Bridge Public Library Seed Exchange and start your garden! Whether you are looking for flowers, herbs, or vegetables, the Library has a wide variety of plants to choose from.
The Seed Exchange Card Catalog housing all of the seeds is located in front of the Idea Farm, across from the Reference Desk. This is just to your right when you enter the building.
Guidelines for Taking Seeds
- Browse the card catalog for seeds you would like to plant.
- Please take just 1 – 3 packets.
- Take them home to plant and enjoy!
Please send photos of your plants to seedexchange@oldbridgelibrary.org!
At the end of the season, If you are able to collect seeds from your plants, we’ll take donations.
General Growing Instructions
- Starting Your Seeds – Things You’ll Need
- Container with drainage holes
- Seed starting soil mix
- Seeds
- Index card
- Wooden skewer
- Spray bottle or mister
- Steps for Planting
- Wash your hands before starting! Oils and dirt from your hands can affect the quality of the seedling’s progress.
- Dampen the seed starting soil. It should feel like a well wrung-out sponge—not too wet, but not bone dry.
- Fill your clean container with soil. Tamp it down and fill to the top with looser soil.
- Take your index card and fold it lengthwise (hot dog fold).
- Shake some seeds onto the index card and use the skewer to scoot the seeds into the soil.
- Cover seeds with soil if growing instructions require it.
- Mist water on top.
- Place the container in a bright window or under a grow light.
- Caring for Your Plants
- Keep the container under light or in a bright window.
- Keep the soil damp. Plants don’t like wet feet, but like to have a bit of water.
- Observe each day for progress.
- Once the second pair of leaves called “true leaves” sprout, your plant is ready to start the process of being transplanted outside.
- Optional:
- Use a clear plastic cup over the container to keep in humidity.
- Use a heat mat to aid in germination.
Seed Donations
Returning seeds is appreciated but is not required to take items from the Seed Exchange.
For donating seeds please make sure the seeds are clean and placed in a bag or envelope with the following information:
- Plant name (be as specific as possible)
- When they were collected (year)
- Your name and phone number
Resources
Make sure to look at the book display next to the card catalog for books about growing plants and gardening.
Additional resources outside of the library include:
- Community Master Gardeners of Middlesex County
- Hotline: 732-398-5220
- mastergardeners@co.middlesex.nj.us
- Rutgers Growing Guides
