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The University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Mass Aggie Seed Library

Wish

A seed is a dream encased in hope.

Mass Aggie Seed Library Spring 2020 video

Mass Aggie Seed Library Logo

       

Gratitude

When visiting, make sure to leave a comment in the guest book.
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The Making of the Mass Aggie Seed Library

Hours and Directions

Mass Aggie Seed Library - Images from our roots

Philip H. Smith with bags of vegetable seeds  / Philip Henry Smith of the Class of 1897, became a Professor of Chemistry at the Hatch Experiment Station in the early 1900's. / UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION

http://credo.library.umass.edu/search?q=agriculture&page=2&facets=

The History of Agriculture and Gardening in Patents - images to color

              

Mass Aggie Seed Library

The Mass Aggie Seed Library is housed in the Science & Engineering Library located in the Lederle Graduate Research Center Lowrise at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  The Seed Library is open for all to use on a self-service, non-mediated basis during the hours the Science & Engineering Library is open.

Getting ready for Spring 2023

Get ready for spring. 
"Rise and Shine" series of seed-starting videos from Fruition Seeds
The Seed Growers Podcast by Dan Brisebois.

Purchased and donated seed packets are being stocked, and older packets have been culled from the seed collection (and placed into the 'Who knows' drawers).  Something different each day to share the wonderfulness. 

               

Visit

Are you coming to visit the Mass Aggie Seed Library for the first time from off-campus?

The best time to avoid the students is on Friday or after 5pm other weeknights.  At this point, the Science & Engineering Library is open Monday - Friday.  Please feel free to contact me for a personal tour.  The seed library is completely self-serve and non-mediated.  And please remember to sign the guest book!

Science & Engineering Library is located in the Lederle Lowrise on the very north end of campus.  

Spring 2023

What’s new in the Mass Aggie Seed Library?

New things you might notice: 
Some drawers are labeled by family 
The card catalog seed drawers are a bit messy (overflowing with goodness)
Individual pre-packaged to-go seeds in small envelopes 
Separate drawers with mystery seeds labeled "Who Knows"

The pre-packaged seeds in the small envelopes have the name of the grower and the name of the seed variety.  For specific growing instructions, go to the website of the grower and find the seed variety.   

With patrons returning donated seeds in a variety of packaging, the seed envelope sizes are uneven, and therefore, the seed drawers are a bit messy to accommodate the variety of sizes. 

"Who Knows" contains those seeds that do not meet our mission of organic, open-pollinated seeds, items donated with unclear labeling, or those seeds out of date.  Instead of throwing them away, we offer them this understanding as a way to learn about seed issues.  Be Curious - ask us why they are separated from the other seeds!  What makes them different?

               

Mass Aggie Seed Library Seed Donation Form

Mass Aggie Seed Library - Located in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Science & Engineering Library