Shauna Eisenmann looks through seed packets at the Door County Library, March 18, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A plan to help people produce vegetables, herbs and flowers locally is growing.
The sixth annual Door County Seed Library program kicked off Monday morning.
Inside the Sturgeon Bay Branch of the Door County Library, Shauna Eisenmann says she’s has a list of seeds she needs to fill.
“I tried to get deer-resistant ones. So, I went with marigolds, and the cornflowers, and then I’m going to try Sweet William too, and dianthus,” said Shauna Eisenmann, Sturgeon Bay.
Eisenmann is part of the seed library program, From beans, to peppers, even corn for popping, Librarian Laura Kayacan says more than 10,000 seeds are ready to go throughout all eight branches.
“What we’re trying to do is trim down the variety of seeds of the basic seeds, so that we don’t get overwhelmed. A lot of places donate seeds, so we have the chosen varieties, plus the donated seeds. So there’s quite a bit to choose from. So all of the branches get some of the basic varieties, and then a mixture of the donated seeds,” said Laura Kayacan, Door County Librarian.
For those who may need assistance, Master Gardener Alumna MaryBeth Cleary-Phipps says she’s here to help.
“We also encourage them to save seeds from what they grow, and give them instructions on how to save them. For instance, tomatoes, you can’t just take the seed, and let it be, and expect it to grow next year. You have to put them in water, and let them more or less ferment. And then you dry them out, and then you save them for the following year,” said MaryBeth Cleary-Phipps, Master Gardener Alumna.
Meanwhile, Shauna Eisenmann has her list completed. She says using native plants is important.
“Most definitely it is. Because that way, you get something that’s local. You know, it’s probably hardy for the area, instead of getting something off the shelf,” she said.
The Door County Library Seed Library program is free. Officials say they encourage people to take what they need, which is typically six or eight packets.
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