Seed Banks

There are many ways to get seeds for your garden with one of the most popular being through seed catalogues.  Another popular method is collecting seeds from plants growing in your garden.  If you join a local garden club they usually offer a seed an/or plant exchange.  You can also get seeds from family and friends who garden.  All of these methods are great ways to get seeds.  One method of getting seeds is through a seed bank.

A seed bank is usually run by one or two gardening enthusiasts but in some cases is run by a gardening group.  Seed banks have slightly different rules based on who is running them.  In general, you put in a request for the seeds you would like along with any seeds you have to offer.  Some seed banks request you donate seeds to help keep the seed bank well stocked.  Most ask that you send a SASE with your request as well.  In return they will send you 5 to 10 seeds of the requested variety if they have it.  The number of seeds will be based on both supply and demand.

There are a few things to be aware of if using a seed bank.  First most seed banks are run by volunteers or individual garden enthusiasts who are not paid.  They are simply doing this because they love gardening and want to help fellow gardeners.  As such they are always very appreciative if you can donate seeds to their seed bank.  It is also considered rude to request too many seed varieties so keep that in mind when making your request.  In general requesting 2 to 4 varieties is acceptable with a seed donation depending on the seed bank.  Don't expect more than 5 to 10 seeds of any one variety.  The may be a lower germination rate for seeds from a seed bank.  The reason for lower germination rate is seed banks accept seed donations that may be collected from gardeners ranging from very inexperienced to very experienced.  The seed bank has no way of knowing the gardener's experience or how the seeds were treated during and after collection.  As with an item being sent through the mail there may be delays and in some cases the envelop may get lost.  Another thing to consider is where the seed bank is located.  If it is outside of your country there may be some restrictions as to what you can order.  Check with Customs first before requesting seeds from seed banks in other countries.  I have not heard of any problems but then I've only dealt with seed banks in Canada.
Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010