With spring on the way, gardeners are gearing up to start planting and seeding, but many do not realize people can get an assortment of free seeds provided by the Albuquerque Public Library Seed Bank.
All one needs is a library card to pick from dozens of seeds — from vegetables to herbs and flowers. All seeds in the program are plants acclimated to arid desert terrain, including varieties of seeds like kale, squash and sunflowers. The seed catalog comes out with a new list monthly, depending on the supply and season.
Thirty seed packets of one variety can be picked up at these limited library locations throughout the city:
• East Mountain
• Juan Tabo
• Rudolfo Anaya/North Valley
• San Pedro
• South Valley
• South Broadway
• Taylor Ranch
• Westgate
“All seeds in the ABQ-BERNCO Seed Library are open-pollinated, non-GMO, and certified organic whenever possible or untreated and free of pesticides,” according to the site.
There are also tips and tricks provided by the Water Utility Authority with their 505 Outside initiative, specifically with irrigation techniques and a watering how-to guide for each season:
For more information or to set up your seed order, email southbroadway@cabq.gov.
You can also find the seed bank form with locations and seed choices at https://abqlibrary.org/ld.php?content_id=59583304.
