Free seeds and a garden to explore: a practical guide to Pasco library growing resources

Archive photo: New River Branch Library in October 2013, before later renovations. This is not a photograph of a current class or event. Website wordmark added. Photo: Petercannon_usf. Photo source · CC-BY-SA-3.0.

Pasco residents who want to try growing their own food can start with something smaller than a trip to the garden center: a request to the county library.

Pasco County Libraries offers a free seed library, with pickup available through local branches. At New River Branch, the Discovery Gardens also offer a place to explore gardening before committing to a bed at home. These are existing library services, not newly announced programs.

How to request free seeds

Households with a library card can request up to five seed packets per month. The library distributes donated seeds in small bundles; the selection changes with its inventory. Duplicate orders in the same calendar month are not fulfilled.

Use the library's seed request form and choose a pickup branch. Residents who need help ordering can ask at their local reference desk. The library sends an email when an order has been prepared and is being transferred for pickup.

A garden you can visit before starting your own

New River's Discovery Gardens include native plants, a butterfly garden, a children's sensory garden and community growing space. Self-guided visits are available during library hours. Classes and plant swaps have their own schedules; check the Discovery Gardens page rather than assuming an activity runs every day.

Ask staff about reserving a growing bed. Availability is not guaranteed, and using the beds requires a signed waiver.

Before you go

• Location: New River Branch Library, 34043 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
• Questions: Call (813) 788-6375.
• Plan ahead: Check current seed choices and branch hours before making a trip.

For a first attempt, choosing a few seeds you actually want to grow is a more manageable starting point than ordering the full allowance simply because it is free.