01
Borrow
Choose up to two packets in spring. Each holds ten to twenty seeds, with the variety's story printed on the back.
€12 a year · two packets · Saturdays 10–13
How thelibrary works
A seed library lends seed the way a book library lends books — except that what comes back is more than what went out.
The library year
- JanResting
- FebGermination tests
- MarBorrowing opens
- AprBorrow
- MaySow after the frost
- JunSow
- JulFlowers
- AugPods dry
- SepHarvest
- OctReturns open
- NovFreeze, sort
- DecReturns close 15th
02
Grow
Sow after the last frost. Eat all you like, but keep a few plants just for seed and leave their pods on the vine.
03
Save
Pick pods when they are papery and rattle. Shell them, dry the beans until a fingernail can't dent them, then freeze them for a few days.
04
Return
Bring back a jar with more seed than you borrowed, labelled with the variety and the year. We test it and shelve it for spring.
The small print
- Two varieties a year. So there is enough for everyone, and so you can keep them apart.
- Only one runner bean. Runners cross with each other easily; two side by side won't stay true.
- Return more than you borrowed. A jam jar is perfect. Keep the rest to eat or sow.
- Freeze before returning. A few days kills bean weevil eggs. Dry the beans well first.
- Tell us when it fails. A note about slugs or hail is useful to us too, and you can borrow again.
Becomea member
We'll email you a pick-up slot for a Saturday morning. Bring €12 and a bag.
Visit
Saturdays 10–13
Oude Dokken, Gent