Seed libraries bloom across Walsall to promote home growing

Set up by Food for Life Walsall (a Soil Association programme funded by Walsall Council’s Public Health team), the seed libraries offer free seeds and resources for planting, growing, harvesting and seed-saving. Residents can grow their own food and return their saved seeds to share with others, if they are able. Community groups, schools and nurseries are also able to access the local seed libraries.

The launch of the seed libraries coincides with Food for Life’s Plant and Share campaign, which gets the nation growing, sowing and sharing whether they are a beginner or seasoned grower. Anyone can access the free Plant and Share toolkit via Food for Life’s website for growing inspiration, from setting up your own growing space to growing pea shoots or some strawberries in wellies.

The libraries are located in each of the four Family Hubs and the Old Hall People’s Partnership Community Shop in Bentley. Each hub also has equipment, gardening tools and containers for the seeds, as well as growing guides and growing kits for families.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council said: “Seed libraries are a great way to empower our communities to grow their own food. It supports food security and improve access to fresh and healthy food. Our seed libraries can provide a culturally diverse selection of seeds and can connect people to resources to help them plant, grow, harvest and save seeds.”

“Whether you have a windowsill, a garden or balcony, we want to encourage more residents to get growing and it’s really simple to get involved. Pop along to your nearest seed library, take what you need and plant your seeds at home in some soil with lots of sun and plenty of water. Save the seeds from what you grow and bring them back to the seed library for others to use in an envelope or paper bag. Together, let’s get Walsall growing.”

Jenine Hadley, Programme Manager at Food for Life Walsall said: “This is a fantastic way for residents to get involved with growing, no matter how much experience or space they have, and a fun and affordable way to access minimally processed, good food. We’re also pleased to be offering a free toolkit of growing resources as part of Food for Life’s Plant and Share campaign, for those who’d like some extra growing guidance or inspiration.”

Seeds available for 2025 are peas, butternut squash, courgettes, coriander, chives, strawberries, salad leaves, potatoes and tomatoes (subject to availability and change).

You can visit one of five locations to collect your seeds:

Address: 275 Blakenall Lane, Blakenall, Walsall WS3 1HJ

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

Address: Ilmington House, Crescent Road, Wednesbury, WS10 8AE

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

Address: Birchills Street, Walsall, WS2 8NF

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

Address: Silver Court, Walsall, WS8 6HA

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Bentley, WS2 0BD

Open: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 9am - 4pm