Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library Newsletter
Lettuce Unite!
May 2022 | Issue #24
Master Gardener Classes
  • May 17: Los Problemas en Mi Jardín de Verano (y Cómo Resolverlos)
  • June 21: Water in Your Garden - Taking Control
  • July 19: Pollinator Garden

For more information, click here. Register for their newsletter to get excellent gardening tips and announcements of upcoming classes.
Stop by our table at the Rx Fair on Saturday to say hi and pick up seeds.
Community Clean Up &
Purple Tree Collard Celebration
Saturday, April 30th 10 AM - 12 PM
Rose Garden at JFK Park
38th & Cutting Blvd., Richmond

We'll have shovels, but feel free to bring your own to help move mulch.
Little FREE Seed Libraries Opening Soon
The Little FREE Seed Libraries will be opening in the next week. Follow us on Instagram @RichmondGrows for updates on available seeds and locations.

The seed library in the main branch of the public library at 325 Civic Center is open all year round and it has a large collection of seeds. We'll continue to restock throughout the season. New to the Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library? Check out our orientation video (Spanish). We're excited that the Richmond Public Library is extending their hours.

Join us on Monday, May 2nd at the Richmond Public for activities to celebrate their extended services. We'll be there from 5-6 PM. Stop by to say hello and get some seeds.
Help save seeds for yourself... and the community!
Saving seeds is fun, helps our community be more resilient, and saves money. We'll provide the seeds and walk you through from planting to saving to sharing seeds. There are a number of plants that are easy-peasy to save seeds from, including peas!

Sign up to save seeds for our community from old classics like Costata Romanesco Zucchini to breeding projects like Carol Deppe's Beefy Resilient Grex bean to a local heirloom Louie Nicoli Italian (Pole) Bean saved by El Cerrito resident Louie Nicoli (1913-2007). No previous seed saving experience required.
Louie Nicoli at Louie's Club in El Cerrito. Help us preserve Louie Nicoli Italian (Pole) Bean!
I want to be a seed steward!
What to Save in the Garden Now
Did you have any arugula that overwintered? Let those flowers bloom and then let the pods dry on the plant. Arugula is a super easy plant to save seeds from.

Don't forget to let some peas, sweet peas, and fava beans pods dry on the plant. Shell. Label. Remember to let them dry fully, then put the favas in a labelled glass jar in the freezer for 3 weeks to ensure that any possible bugs are killed. Then take it out and let the jar warm up for 24 hours before opening to prevent condensation and mold from forming on the seeds.
Nimbus Sweet Peas: Available at the seed library in the Richmond Public Library.
Donate

Providing access to free seeds and gardening and seed saving information is at the core of our mission. Help keep seeds in the hands of the people by donating today. We are a 100% volunteer-run and community-supported nonprofit. Your donation goes directly to supporting seed access and education. For every dollar donated you can help provide 4-5 packets of seeds to our community.
RICHMOND GROWS SEED LENDING LIBRARY RichmondGrowsSeeds.org