The newly-established Coonabarabran Seed Library is a free seed-sharing program, currently in its initial stages of development.

Sharing seeds through the Seed Library will preserve heirloom varieties for gardeners and through their return, strong genetics will strengthen biodiversity and food security for the community.

Presently, the Seed Library is accepting donations of vegetable seeds, fruits, flowers and herb seeds, all collected at The Lighthouse, Coonabarabran.

The seeds must be processed, meaning they must be clean and dry, as no unprocessed seed will be accepted.

Tubers, or bulbs, will also not accepted, or seeds that are moist, or mouldy, as it could spread throughout the collection.

A deposit form is required upon donation to the Seed Library, which requests information such as the plant name, variety, source, date of harvest and pollination.

As the program is funded through Coonabarabran Rotary and the Men’s Shed, monetary donations are not required, however, donations of seeds, or items needed such as envelopes and labels will be accepted.

Jaimee Brent, Seed Library coordinator, said the aim of the library was to support self-sustainability, health and overall wellness within the community.

“With the cost of living being the way it is, self sustainability is everything. The less reliant we are on supermarkets means we mobilise less food and can access healthier ways of living,” Ms Brent said.

“Collecting seed from the local area creates a line of more resilient seed – needed in Coona with the harsh climates. Each time those seeds grow and are harvested, they will become stronger.

“It is a community project designed to help the environment. It is also just a nice way to get into growing food.

“We are grateful to all businesses and organisations who have helped us.”

The Seed Library will not open until September, but coordinators need to start collecting seeds now

to prepare. Once spring blooms, the seeds will be available for collection at the Lighthouse Cafe.

The seeds will be stored inside an up-cycled set of drawers, created by the Men’s Shed.

The general idea is for people to take the seeds they need to grow the plants and then return harvested seeds to be repacked into the library.