Are you having some Winter blues? Are you daydreaming about the warm weather? Back when you were able to spend some time in your garden, pick that long awaited vegetable to have with your dinner and feel so much pride over that delicious meal that came from your garden? We are too! Let the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) help you get started on your garden and start planning for your summer ahead.
Get started by registering for the Get Growing: Seed Kits, a low-contact seed swap. Since we are unable to hold our annual Seed Swap this year, please register for a seed kit and the library will contact you to arrange a time to pick it up. Registration runs from January 16 through January 23 and pickup will begin Saturday, Jan. 30. What exactly will the kit include? Kits will contain a mixture of vegetable and flower seeds. A special thanks to Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, High Mowing Organic Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, and Territorial Seed Company who generously donated the seeds.
Don’t like the seeds you received or received too many for what you will use? Unwanted packets can be returned to any Aurora Public Library District location by February 28. The seeds will be quarantined and then donated to the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry for use in their community garden. You can schedule a Browse & Go appointment and leave packets in a designated bin at the circulation desk.
Once you’ve received your seeds you’ll probably be wondering, now what? Save the date and join us virtually for Seed Starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9. Register now because seats are limited. Cailin Cullen, Adult Services librarian said, “We know that there has been an increased interest in gardening during the pandemic, so we’re excited to provide access to and information on this safe, healthy, sustainable activity. We’ve had a lot of fun with our annual Seed Swap in the past, and we’re happy to be able to offer this modified version during the pandemic. We hope it will inspire people to get outside and try something different!”
In this virtual seed starting event, a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener will present tips on starting your own plants from seed, including soil preparation, container selection, lighting options and troubleshooting.
Soon enough, your seedlings will be ready to migrate to your garden. Join us for Planning & Planting a Vegetable Garden at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 9 on Zoom. You will be able to share progress from your Seed Starting and ask Master Gardener additional questions. From site preparation through harvest, a Master Gardener will give you with tips for successful vegetable gardening! Oh, what a joy it will be to feed your whole family the fruits and vegetables from your own garden! So register for all three events today at aurorapubliclibrary.org/events or via our app! Happy planting!
Miriam Meza-Gotto is the communications manager for the Aurora Public Library District.