The Seed Library offers free, open-pollinated seeds and resources for planting, growing, harvesting, and seed saving.

Not sure how to save seeds? See below in our Videos & Resources section for more information and videos on seed saving and harvesting.

1. CHOOSE what you can use. No check out required. Limit to 10 seed packets per person.
• Availability and selection of seeds will change.
• Choose necessary resource sheets to help you grow. These are available online or in person.
2. GROW what you brought home.
• Plant your seeds in some soil with lots of sun and add water.
3. SAVE seeds from what you grew for next year!

• Empower community members to grow their own food by offering free seeds.
• Support food security and improve access to the freshest, healthiest food possible.
• Provide a culturally diverse selection of seeds so the multitude of cultures represented in our community can grow foods that reflect their palate and preferences.
• Keep open pollinated seed varieties thriving and in use.
• Connect people to community resources for planting, growing, harvesting, and seed saving.
• Learn how to save seeds for the next growing season and share with friends and family.

Pick up seeds from our Seed Library on the 2nd floor of the library. Seed packets are also available on the Bookmobile. To learn more about the seeds, click the link for the seeds you wish to borrow from the list. You will be redirected to the growing guides. 

Choose what you can use. No check out required. Limit to 10 seed packets per person.

All seeds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seeds are available starting February 28, 2026.

Click on the heading for planting & saving instructions.

Bean

Beet

Broccoli/Cauliflower

Cabbage

Carrot

Corn

Cucumber

Edible Flowers

Greens

Herbs

Kale/Chinese Broccoli

Lettuce/Spinach/Arugula

Onion

Pea

Pepper

Radish

Squash 

Tomatillo

Tomato

Watermelon

Freeze and Frost Probabilities

Summaries and Publications from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Seasonal Produce Guides

View the average season and peak season for harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables from Minnesota Grown

Explore different fruits and vegetables throughout the year with SNAP-Ed

Native Seeds

Tom and Kelly Show

"Tom Bellinger and Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick are University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension Olmsted County Master Gardener Volunteers. We enjoy being silly with our educational outreach about our local projects and topics covering Master Gardener Priorities of Horticulture Skills, Local Food, Climate Change, Nearby Nature, Clean Water, Pollinators and Plant Biodiversity."

Benefits of Your Olmsted County Compost (PDF)

MSHS Resource Hub

Find links to free webinars, articles and videos about foodscaping, garden projects and other timely topics from the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. 

No-Dig Garden Bed (English)

Video from University of Minnesota Extension

Jumping Worms

Information from University of Minnesota Extension

Cleaning Roots for Jumping Worms

Video from University of Minnesota Extension

How to create a pollinator-friendly landscape

Information from University of Minnesota Extension

Click here for planting and growing guides from the University of Minnesota Extension. 

Starting Seeds Indoors: A general guide for transplanting and direct sowing decisions.

UMN Extension Basics of Starting Seeds (4.17.2018)

Starting Seeds at Home/Como cultivar semillas en casa (4.23.2020)

Seed Saving & Harvesting Presentation (7.26.2020)

Late Season Gardening Presentation (7.18.2020)

Seed Saving Supplies

North Circle Seeds - Seed Saving Videos

UMN Extension Local Foods College Seed Saving

Deeply Rooted (PBS Video)- John Coykendall

SE MN Native Plant Seed Collection Guides

Printable tips from 2021 Tomato Talk series

Tomato Planting Tips (PDF)

Tomato Care Tips (PDF)

Tomato Harvesting Tips (PDF)

Tomato Seed Saving Tips (PDF)

Blue Thumb
Beautify your landscape while planting for clean water and pollinator habitat. Online learning and live workshops available.

City of Rochester, Public Works, Environmental Services
What you plant in your yard to help water soak in makes a difference!

Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District
Creating a beautiful garden to improve water quality, benefit pollinators, or protect your shoreline is what the Landscaping for Clean Water program is all about! Residency is not required to participate in the classes and workshops.

• Firewise Landscaping: A guide to Protecting Your Home from Wildfire
• Firewise Landscaping in Northern Minnesota (includes plants list)

Community garden plots are available in various locations around Rochester. Click on the following links for more information:

• Olmsted County History Center
• Rochester Parks and Recreation Department (two locations)
• The Village Agricultural Cooperative

Rochester Garden & Flower Club

U Of MN Extension / Olmsted County Master Gardeners

Prairie Smoke MN

The Prairie Enthusiasts - Minnesota Driftless chapter

The Village Agricultural Cooperative