A Community Seed Stand Is the Cheerful Addition Your Neighborhood Needs—Here’s How to Make One

Little Free Libraries have fostered a sense of community on city blocks over the last few years with their easy access to books and ability to create small moments of joy. Think about it: They’ve likely brought a smile to your face just seeing a child eagerly hop to the mini book house to see what’s new.

Now, quaint community seed stands are popping up outside libraries and homes, offering an instant introduction to the fulfilling (and sometimes all-consuming) world of gardening. Last week, a viral Instagram reel showed off one seed stand in Portland, Oregon, and every detail is better than the last. Here’s a peek inside the stand, along with some pointers on how you can create or find one near you. 

Inside the Roseway Seed Library

This cute lime green seed stand features one simple sign: “The Neighborhood Seed Library. Take what you need, share what you have.” The mosaic, colorful knobs open to reveal vegetable seeds on one side, neatly organized in plastic drawers. The other side is full of flower and herb seeds in those same containers. 

Several other details have wowed viewers, like the basic instructions and spreadsheets tacked to the interior doors, giving information about each seed and when to plant them. On the outside, there is a red metal mailbox where you can donate seeds that will be sorted and distributed. 

The stand is called The Roseway Seed Library, and it recently launched an Instagram account, featuring more shots of the little library and how it was built. According to the comments, this project came together with the help of several neighbors. They also got support from @gardenexchangestandsorg, who hosts several seed and plant swaps and even has a map with more free seed stand locations across the country. 

How to Find Free Seed Stands Near You

Free seed stands have been sprouting up across neighborhoods over the last couple of years, and you may already have a program at your local library. In fact, several commenters on the Instagram reel said their libraries have similar setups. 

“In Oslo, there is a seed library like this (a big one!) at the actual library (Majorstua),” one commenter wrote. “I think this should be a new standard! And then they give out seed courses to the public on how to harvest and save seeds to put back .”

All it takes is a simple search of your library’s website for a “seed plant exchange,” or give the location a quick call to see if there’s anything similar in your area. If there isn’t, request it!

DIY Tips for Making Your Own

To create one yourself, lean on local resources (and eager neighbors) to get started. For example, all the planting guidelines in The Roseway Seed Library were printed from Portland Nursery’s website.

Look up local regulations, and decide on a location, like a front lawn or a public gathering spot (with permission, of course). Then, enlist the most handy neighbor to build a stand from free online plans, or purchase a small structure you can repurpose. A local garden club or garden walk program might even provide free starter seeds and some exposure. 

The main thing to consider is the types of seeds you stock. Most seed exchanges and stands limit their offerings to commercially available seeds and do not distribute patented varieties that are protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act. (You won’t be able to give away seeds from Martha Stewart’s rose, for example.)