If you’re dreaming of fresh tomatoes, colorful zinnias, or a pollinator‑friendly yard this year, the AHPL Seed Library is the perfect place to start. Our Seed Library is open to everyone — no library card required — and offers free seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Whether you’re a first‑time gardener or a seasoned grower, we’re here to help you dig in.
What Is the Seed Library?
The Seed Library at AHPL exists to share seeds, spread gardening knowledge, and build community. Growing your own food and flowers is empowering — and saving seeds from your garden helps create hardy, locally adapted plants for future seasons.
We encourage gardeners to return seeds at the end of the season, but it’s never required. Every shared seed helps keep the collection self‑sustaining and community‑powered.
How It Works
Our Seed Library is completely self‑service:
- Browse the drawers and choose the seeds you’d like to grow
- Fill out a guest slip for each variety you take (this helps us track inventory)
- Plant, grow, enjoy — and if you’d like, save seeds to share back in the fall
Everyone is welcome to participate. No AHPL card needed.
What Should You Plant in Michigan?
Michigan’s growing season is unique — shaped by our Great Lakes, our mix of hardiness zones, and our famously unpredictable spring weather. Thankfully, several trusted Michigan organizations offer excellent planting guides to help you choose what to grow and when to start.
MSU Extension – Michigan Vegetable Planting Calendar
Michigan State University Extension provides one of the most reliable planting guides in the state, including frost dates, indoor seed‑starting timelines, and direct‑sow recommendations. Great for: beginners, vegetable gardeners, and anyone planning their season.
ReLeaf Michigan – Native Trees & Shrubs for Michigan Landscapes
ReLeaf Michigan focuses on strengthening Michigan’s tree canopy and offers guidance on selecting native species that thrive in our climate. Great for: gardeners adding shade, structure, or habitat to their yard.
Michigan DNR – Native Plants & Pollinator Resources
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources shares information on native wildflowers, pollinator‑friendly species, and habitat restoration. Great for: pollinator gardens, wildflower patches, and eco‑friendly landscaping.
Keep Growing Detroit – Urban Gardening Guides
Although Detroit‑focused, their planting calendars and crop guides apply to most of Southeast Michigan. Great for: small‑space gardeners, raised beds, and community gardens.
Ready to Start Planting?
Stop by the Seed Library on your next visit to AHPL and explore what’s available. Whether you’re growing a balcony herb garden or a backyard vegetable patch, we’re excited to help you get started.
Gardening brings people together — and we can’t wait to see what you grow this year. Share your garden photos with us throughout the season so we can celebrate your progress and inspire others in our community.