OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Master Gardeners established a seed library for gardeners in 2021 and have added new seed in 2022 and for 2023.  It is housed at the Mahaska County Extension Office.  During the spring planting season (April 1- June 1) the seed library  will be in a plastic totes located outside the Extension office west entrance for gardeners to visit at anytime.  To access the seed library June 1- March 31, please visit the Extension office during business hours (M-F 8 am-4:30 pm).

The seeds within the library are repackaged seeds from seed companies donation programs and seeds donated from fellow gardeners.  All seeds in the library are less than three years old, most will be open pollinated.

Fellow gardeners are welcome to donate seeds (less than 3 year old) to the seed library, even if the packages are opened or they are saved seed.  The type and variety/cultivar needs to be identified.  Please contact the Extension Office to donate seeds.

Seeds placed in the library in 2021 and 2022 and not utilized by patrons are also in the library, seeds over 3 years old have been removed.  Gardeners who utilize the seed library are encouraged to complete the paperwork inside the tote.  This will help the Master Gardeners know which seeds are sought.

In addition to seed, the Master Gardeners have supplied the library with information for beginning gardeners including a compilation of planting directions from garden seed packages.  The information is linked at our website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/garden-seed-library-established

Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their twentieth year.  The local program organized after the county held their first training.  The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects.  Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service.  The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.

More information about this and horticulture events can be found at the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa Phone 641-673-5841; and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/yardgarden.htm.