Enjoy the benefits of seed swapping through Sunshine Coast Libraries.

What is a seed library?

Seed libraries offer collections of seeds for members of the community to swap in a sustainable manner. These seeds are from local and heirloom fruit and vegetable varieties that might otherwise be lost, as well as new local varieties including flowers. The seed collection allows our communities to swap, grow, work towards seed sustainability and education in the Sunshine Coast region.

Supported by the Maleny Seed Library and the Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild.

When is the seed library available?

Date	Library
1 February – 20 February	Maleny and Kawana
27 February – 20 March	Maleny and Kawana
27 March – 17 April	Maleny and Kawana
24 April – 22 May	Maleny and Kawana
29 May – 19 June	Maleny and Kawana
26 June – 31 July	Maleny and Kawana

How do I take part?

Library members are welcome to four seed packets per swap (once a month) to take home and grow. When your plant has grown and set seed, harvest some of these seeds to donate back to the seed library.

Use the labelled envelopes supplied to donate your seed and include as much information about your seeds including:

Common name if known
Variety if known
Date collected
Place of collection (what suburb to identify the desired area to grow)
Conditions of growth (eg. stake, sunlight, water, etc)
When to plant

Place the packet into the separate donation box provided in the library. As the box works on an honesty system, self-service checkout is not necessary. For more information, see your friendly library staff.

Seed library boxes

The seed library consists of two boxes of seeds for swapping, created by a volunteer group, the Maleny Seed Library.

One box will be retained at Maleny Library in the hinterland, the other will be housed at Kawana Library covering the coastal region, for a trial period of six months
Customers will be able to collect and/or donate seeds during library opening hours at these branches only.
Watch this space for future workshops and sessions to encourage the development and exposure of local seed libraries at all library locations.

Where can I find the box in the library?

Seed boxes will be shelved in Adult nonfiction (Gardens and Plants) collections for easy access.

Seed saving sessions | feed the family from your own garden

Is your weekly shop going through the roof? Find out how seed saving can help your food budget, assist biodiversity and create self-reliance. Join Soul Cauley from the Maleny Seed Library for basic seed-saving techniques. Discover the value of seed saving, the difference between open pollinated and hybrid seeds, winnowing and how to store seeds correctly. See a variety of seeds on display that are easy-to-save seeds like lettuce, tomato, bean or pea plants.

Free. Registration essential. Check out the sessions.

Community garden groups

Check out these Sunshine Coast groups for inspiration and support.

Name	Address
Alexandra Headland Community Garden	Nelson Park, Katoa Street, Alexandra Headland (Alex Community Association)
Barns Lane Farm	39 Barns Lane, Coolum Beach. 0490 220 854
Buddina Community Garden	Kevin Asmus Park, Nanyima Street, Buddina, located behind the Kawana Library
Coolum Community Garden	Facebook Email
Eumundi Community Garden	Old Eumundi Sports Field, Memorial Drive, Eumundi. Email
Maleny Community Garden	Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, 17 Bicentenary Lane, Maleny. 07 5499 9345
Maleny Seed Library	Join the Maleny Seed Group on Facebook. Email
Maple Street Co-op Community Garden	37 Maple Street, Maleny. Phone: 0484 647 313
Nambour Community Garden	Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour
Palmwoods Community Garden	17-19 Hill Street, Palmwoods.
Steps Nursery and Community Garden	George Street, Caloundra
The Urban Farm	Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, 2 Fifth Avenue, Cotton Tree. 07 5443 6696
Woombye Community Garden	12 Campbell Street, Woombye. Email
Yandina Community Garden	Corner of North and Farrell Streets, Yandina.

How does your garden grow?

eMagazines

Hoopla

Read current issues of 50+ popular magazines with the hoopla Magazines BingePass. From health to home décor, business to baking or anything in between, there is a magazine you will love.

Libby

Over 3500 magazines from across the world in a range of languages. All your favourites including Woman’s Day, Better Homes and Gardens, Australian Geographic, APC, Camper Australia, Esquire and GQ.

Not a member? Join online and get instant access to eMagazines.