Westerly Sun Column | Everything You Need to Start Your Garden

The other day, my coworker told a story about walking in on her family members watching a British gardening show — not because they were particularly interested in horticulture, but due to a desperate need to look at something green and alive. I felt that in my soul. Winter has far outstayed its welcome, but, thankfully, the end is finally in sight (groundhog be damned). It’s seed-starting time!

According to the URI Cooperative Extension’s Rhode Island Planting Calendar, many vegetables, such as cabbage and peas, can be started from seed beginning in March. If this suddenly seems like a bit TOO soon, and you’re not prepared, don’t sweat it! Before you run off to a big box store and spend a small fortune on supplies, take a quick trip to the library. We have (quite literally) everything you need to get started.

On March 1, we will be giving away free seed-starting kits on a first-come, first-served basis. Each kit includes a seed-starting tray and soil, and you are encouraged to take a peek through our Seed Library while you’re here to borrow whatever seeds you’re interested in planting. Thanks to generous donations from the URI Cooperative Extension, the Master Gardeners that volunteer in Wilcox Park, and many of our wonderful patrons, the Seed Library is fully stocked with a large variety of flower, herb, and vegetable seeds. Some of the packets have passed their expiration dates, but don’t let that deter you at all — for the majority of plants, it takes 3-5 years before the germination rates begin to decline. If you’re still hesitant, take a look at the chart provided by Seed Matters, posted right next to the Seed Library, to see how long each type of seed remains viable!

In addition to the seeds and seed kits, we have a large collection of gardening books that can help you make your gardening dreams a reality, or, if you’re not yet sure what your dreams entail, provide some inspiration! You can find books on small-space gardening, indoor vegetable gardening, perennial gardens, landscaping, and numerous others. When the time comes to move your precious seedlings outdoors, you should make a visit our Library of Things — a collection of lendable, nontraditional items — where you’ll find more than books offer assistance. Through the Library of Things, you can check out a hand weeders, soil testers, trowels, and even pruning shears! Just add water, and you’ve got everything you need to get your garden started.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian