Get Growing

Enjoy environmental literacy initiatives at the library including a seed library, outdoor gardening opportunities, and hydroponic indoor growing.

Happy black father and son watering plants together.
Group of kindergarten kids learning gardening outdoors

Discover All You Can Grow at the Library

As part of our focus on helping the community build environmental literacy skills, we’re excited to introduce new initiatives at the library that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about food production and food sustainability along with increased awareness around caring for the environment.

We invite you to take part and discover more about:

  • Environmental Literacy
  • Food Security
  • Community Building

Seed Library

The first phase of our Seed Library 2025 has now wrapped up for the season, and seeds are no longer available for pick-up at WPL.

Community Harvested Seed envelopes continue to be available at all locations, along with harvesting information (also available in our FAQ section below). When it’s time to harvest your seeds, please package them in the envelopes provided, and return them to the library to share with other members of the community, for a full-circle experience!

Person holding basket with freshly picked vegetables.

Seed Library FAQs

  • Where can I get the seeds?

    The first phase of our Seed Library 2025 has now wrapped up for the season, and seeds are no longer available for pick-up at WPL.

  • Where did WPL get the seeds for the Seed Library?
    We purchased all our seeds from Ontario Seed Company (oscseeds.com).
  • How do I harvest my own seeds?

    Saving seeds and returning them to the seed library will help keep our collection sustainable and creates a sharing culture in our community. You will also help to preserve seed lineage and promote biodiversity.  

    Tips for Seed Harvesting 

    • Choose seeds from the strongest, healthiest plants that are open-pollinated (naturally pollinated) by insects, wind or other natural means. Avoid harvesting seeds from hybrid varieties.
    • Seeds with pods or husks can be left to dry on the plants before picking out the seeds. Seeds should turn brown and brittle before harvesting. For example: broccoli, beans, peas, radish, carrots, and lettuce. 
    • Wet seeds should be washed and dried, turning regularly to discourage mold growth. For example: tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, melons, zucchini, peppers and watermelons. 
    • Store in a cool, dry place. 

    Find more information about seed harvesting here:  

  • How do I return or donate seeds to WPL's Seed Library?

    Harvested seed donations are greatly appreciated. Seed donation envelopes are available at all WPL locations. Please label your envelope with as much information as possible, including common name/variety and harvesting date. Only one seed variety per packet. Drop off seed donations to staff at any WPL location for sharing with the community next year. Please do not put seeds in returns bins.

Naturespace Garden Boxes

Our Naturespace garden boxes feature a mix of pollinators, native plants and even vegetables. These boxes help to enhance and sustain the environment around the Eastside Branch while providing opportunities for learning and engaging with the natural environment. The boxes are designed with an accessible side to allow for everyone to participate in the gardening process.

The new garden boxes were co-designed by our Teen Events Team, who will be volunteering their time to nurture the plantings. The garden boxes will be used for programs and will be planted by library staff and community members alike.

As an added bonus, the pollinator plants in the garden boxes will provide a source of pollen for our beehive.

The Naturespace at the Eastside Branch with raised flower boxes, a water table for kids, tables and shade structures.
Green lettuce growing on a vertical hydroponic tower system

Grow Towers

Grow towers are vertical hydroponic gardens where food is cultivated in a soilless environment, receiving essential nutrients through a continuous water flow. The Eastside Branch has two grow towers that will operate and produce food year-round. Customers will be able to pick food as plants become ready for harvesting (please follow onsite signage or ask staff for assistance).

The grow towers will act to foster ongoing discussions about food insecurity in Canada as well as highlighting technology for food production in challenging environments like Canada’s far North. The sunlamp-equipped lights will support year-round plant growth, adding vibrancy to library spaces.

Grow Towers FAQs

  • How do the grow towers work?

    The plants grow without soil; their roots are held in rock wool. They get watered automatically for five minutes every 45 minutes, all day and night. The lights are on a 14 hour schedule. Every three weeks, we refill and check the water, nutrients, and pH levels.

  • What do you grow in the grow towers?

    We will grow a variety of plants on a rotational basis. Once plants are harvested we will plant new seeds to grow. Signage will accompany the grow towers to let customers know what is currently growing.

    Some of the plants we grow will come from seeds in our Seed Library.

  • What will happen with the plants when they are ready to be picked?

    Anyone visiting the Eastside Branch will be able to pick the plants and take them home. We ask that you please only pick plants or leaves on plants that are ready for harvesting. Directional signage will let customers know when plants are ready for harvesting or you can ask staff for assistance. Excess food will be donated.

  • Will the grow towers operate all year long?

    Yes! The grow towers will be available year-round, with major maintenance occurring twice a year in September and March. During that time, the grow towers will be removed for a deep clean before being returned.

Interested in learning more about our teaching beehive?

That’s right! We’ve got a functioning beehive at our Eastside Branch. Learn more about our hive and accompanying programs and events.

Learn More