Seeds belong in community, being grown and harvested each season — whether in a community garden, school patch, backyard or balcony. A majority of the world’s seed supply is now controlled by just a handful of corporations. It’ll take a dedicated village to keep seeds in the hands of communities.
Support Castlemaine Seed Library and support your local food system!
Castlemaine Seed Library acknowledges the local Dja Dja Wurrung people as the first inhabitants and the original farmers, gardeners and custodians of the Loddon River lands, where our members live, work, plant, grow and save seeds. We recognise their continuing connection to this land, rivers and creeks and to their rich ancient culture. We acknowledge that at the time of European arrival the totality of the lands that are now known as Victoria were occupied by sovereign Indigenous nations who owned, cared for and enjoyed their land in accordance with their laws, customs and traditions.
We acknowledge, with full respect, the strength and power of all Traditional Owners, Elder, Ancestors, and young leaders who fight to protect and look after Country, Community, Language and Lore in the face of ongoing colonial interruptions and cultural genocide.
To Learn more please visit djadjawurrung.com.au
Castlemaine Seed Library supports a Treaty for Victoria.
Our Goals
Castlemaine Seed Library launched in October 2016. Over that time we have provided thousands of packets of locally grown and saved seeds. Providing access to good quality organic non-hybrid seeds to grow good healthy food that is adapted to the local conditions.
Learn how we operate and the importance of our work.
Browse our resources, read our news and be inspired. We are a welcoming community group who love sharing, learning and discovery. Join our network to connect with a diverse community of growers who nurture local seeds.
Get involved today!
Borrow
Our seeds are located in the Castlemaine Library, which is part of the Goldfields Libraries'. Check-out up to 3 seed packets at a time. Record your loan at the counter and get growing.
Grow
Follow the growing directions on your seed packet. Most of our seeds are locally grown and therefore adapted to do well in our local climate.
Save
Let some of your plants go to seed. Follow the directions on our seed packet to save some. Collect, dry, clean and clearly label some seeds. Save some for yourself and bring some back to Castlemaine Seed Library.
Return
We're a library after all! The easiest to return seeds is to use the returns box on the seed board in the Castlemaine library or give them to one of the friendly Library staff. Our team repacks them ready to be borrowed again.
Donate Seeds
It's the kindness and generosity of local gardeners who have a bumper crop or an abundance of plants that let some go to seed which keeps us ticking. Whether it's common parsley or a rare gem - we love local seeds! Tomatoes, Pumpkins, Broccoli or Poppy we package them up and they all go out on loan!
Clearly label and date your donation. The more info the better. Drop your clean, dry and bug-free seeds to the Castlemaine Library. Or bring them along to a monthly working bee. Contact us for extra details or if you have any questions.
Volunteer monthly working bees
First Thursday each month (exc. Jan) 11am - 12 noon
Location: Castlemaine Library
212 Barker street, Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia 3450
Come and help restock the library. Donate seeds, make packets, chat about gardening and seed saving. We're looking forward to meeting you! Just pop along or email us at castlemaineseedlibrary@gmail.com
Partners
