Orange Seed Lending Libraries Help Grow Gardens Across the Community

The Orange Home Grown Foundation is making it easier for residents to grow their own food through its Orange Seed Lending Libraries, a free community program that encourages gardening, sustainability, and seed sharing throughout the City of Orange.  

Launched in partnership with the Orange Public Library Foundation in 2016, the program allows community members to “borrow” free seeds to plant in their home gardens. At the end of the growing season, participants are encouraged—but not required—to collect seeds from their plants and return them to the library, helping preserve unique varieties for future gardeners. The program promotes food security, biodiversity, and sustainable gardening while making fresh produce more accessible to the community.  

Seed libraries are available year-round at the Orange Public Library & History Center, Taft Branch Library, and El Modena Branch Library. A portable seed lending library is also available every third Saturday during the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market, where volunteers can answer questions and help visitors choose seeds for their gardens.  

For Orange residents, the Seed Lending Library offers an easy and free way to begin gardening, support local sustainability efforts, and become part of a community dedicated to growing healthy food and preserving heirloom plant varieties for generations to come.