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Kwantlen Seed Library

A shareable collection of locally grown, open-source seeds available to all members of the Kwantlen community.

Donating seeds to the Library

How to donate
 

Make sure your seeds are open-pollinated

We prefer open-pollinated seed varieties for donation. Not sure what that is?

Open-pollinated (OP) plants are pollinated by way of any natural means (insects, wind, birds), and grown in conditions that do not restrict the flow of pollen between individual plants.

Hybrid varieties are produced using controlled methods of pollination, usually by breeders selecting for particular, desired traits. Hybrid seeds are most often commercially available, and may be labelled as F1. Seeds produced by hybridization may result in vigourous, first generation plants, but subsequent generations tend to be unstable and not true-to-type. Many hybridized varieties will not even produce seeds that can be harvested. Gardeners using hybrid seeds usually have to purchase new seeds every year.

Before bringing in your seeds:

  • Please make sure your seeds have been cleaned and are completely dry
  • Seeds should be no more than 2 years old
  • Both self-saved and commercially packaged seeds are welcome (see below for some ideas of where to get open-pollinated seeds)
  • Seeds you have saved yourself should be open-pollinated; commercial seeds may be hybrid
  • We cannot accept tree seeds or non-seed plant matter

Donating seeds at Langley campus library

1. Please take the time to fill out the Seed Donation form located in the white donation bin on the bottom of the seed library cart.  We especially need to know the year and location the seeds were collected, as well as variety. The Library tries to ensure that seeds in the collection are viable and not too old or grown in conditions that are very different from the Lower Mainland. Fill out one Seed Donation form for each type of seed you are donating.

2. Place your seeds in one of the blank white business envelopes also found in the bin. Ensure that the Seed Donation form is included in the envelope.

 

Donating seeds at other KPU campuses

1. Please take your seeds to the Service Counter at our other campus libraries, and let staff know that you are donating seeds. 

2. Staff will give you a Seed Donation form to complete and a blank envelope for you to put your seeds in.

3. Staff will make sure your seeds get delivered through our intercampus delivery system. 

 

Thank you!

Your donation will ensure that the Kwantlen Seed Library, over time, will develop a collection of seeds that are adapted to local growing conditions and shared among community members.

 

Questions? Ask staff at the service counter, or email Celia Brinkerhoff.

Please note: Unfortunately, for reasons of liability, we cannot accept donations of cannabis seeds.

Not successful at saving the seeds you borrowed? 

If you've had trouble saving the seeds, or experienced a difficult growing season, please consider donating a package or two of open or self -pollinated seeds from a local, commercial grower.

Look for small growers that use open-pollinated methods for ensuring seeds are true-to-type. 

Check the following for suppliers: