PRESCOTT PUBLIC LIBARY Seed Librarian Kristen Kauffman says, “I love the hopefulness of planting a garden, it’s very exciting for me. In spring and early summer you start these seeds and plants, and there’s so much promise ahead of you, and then the joy of seeing the fruits of your labor. With your care, seeing that bell pepper start from a teeny-tiny yellow flower, then it gets bigger and bigger and bigger, and so big the weight of it pulls the plant down.”
The Prescott and Prescott Valley libraries carry seeds as part of the Library of Things. Seed packets for vegetables, flowers and herbs in tune with our local climate and current season are available at both libraries for free. The Prescott library regularly stocks dozens of seed varieties in an old card-catalog cabinet, and each patron may take up to six packets per month. Between March 1 and mid-June over 3,800 seed packets were ‘checked out.’ At the Prescott Valley library, which allows three packets per visit, almost 4,200 seed packets went out over the last year. It’s a very popular project at both libraries.
The seeds come from Fedco, Johnny’s Seeds and some savvy local growers (like me). In Prescott the program is funded by the Friends of the Library, book sales and donations. In Prescott Valley the funds come through a grant. You can donate to either library through the Friends of the Library website.
Great resource
Both libraries display and carry a wealth of reference books and sponsor garden-training talks by master gardeners. The Seed Library page on the Prescott Public Library website features videos on starting and saving seeds, starting a vegetable garden, backyard composting and other topics. Check the library websites or call for more information.
Seed Librarians Kristen Kauffman (in Prescott), Michelle Hjorting and Eva Baca (in PV) are new gardeners that enjoy the learning process and providing advice. Kristen talks with wonder about growing sugar snap peas and carrots, about microclimates, soils, mulches, watering systems, about cooking her own beet greens for dinner, and about the struggles and victories. There is always more to learn. Every plant has different requirements for shade, sun, soil, water, spacing, pests and disease. Through it all gardeners have a great partner — Nature.
I can add that dirt is a proven anti-depressant! Soil contains mycobuterium vaccae, a microbe that’s been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It enters through the skin and increases levels of serotonin, known as the ‘happy’ chemical for its contribution to feelings of wellbeing and happiness.
So go to the library, get those seeds and start your adventure!
For more information, gardening-class schedules, call the Prescott Public Library at 928-777-1500 or the Prescott Valley Public Library at 928-759-3040. Yavapai County’s Master Gardener Help Desk can help with advice on or connect you with a mentor: prescottmg@gmail.com, or 928-445-6590,
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Chef Molly Beverly is Prescott's leading creative food activist and teacher. Photos by Gary Beverly.
