LIBRARY members in Leicester can pick up free packets of seeds as well as the latest blockbuster from their local library this springtime.
With the help of The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), Leicester’s libraries are offering their members three packets of vegetable seeds from their ‘Seed Library’, while stocks last.
From today (Thursday 13 April), people will be able to contact their local library and choose any three of the following seeds, which can all be planted now: beetroot, climbing French beans, fenugreek, mixed lettuce and spinach beet.
Later in the year - in the autumn - the selection will include broad beans, leaf coriander, lamb’s lettuce, mixed baby leaf salad and radishes.
“With food prices soaring, there’s never been a better time to grow your own vegetables,” said Daxa Ralhan from Leicester City Council’s public health team.
“These seeds can be grown in pots on a window ledge or in a tub in the yard, so you don’t need a huge amount of outdoor space to have a go at growing your own veg.
“Thanks to our library staff and the volunteers from TCV, we’ve got 3,000 packets of seeds to give away to library members, which will give people access to fresh salad and vegetables at little cost to themselves.
“Gardening is also a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors – and, just a like a good book, it can absorb us completely, while giving our sense of wellbeing a welcome boost.”
To reserve their seeds, library members who live in the city of Leicester should call (0116) 299 5401 or visit their local library to place their order. Seeds can then be collected from members’ chosen libraries.
More information about the Seed Library initiative is available at leicester.gov.uk/seedlibrary
A huge range of gardening books and magazines that will help further people’s interest in growing their own food are available to borrow from Leicester’s libraries. Find out more here
Anyone who isn’t a member of Leicester’s libraries’ service can find out how to join here