Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Troup County brought seed cabinets to two local libraries on Tuesday, January 28. Both LaGrange Memorial and Hogansville Public Library are the sites for these cabinets. There is also a seed library at the Troup County UGA Extension Office on Pegasus Parkway.

What is a seed cabinet? It is a free resource to local gardeners for flower and vegetable seeds. Donations of seeds have been catalogued, packaged and placed in the cabinets for members of the community to select for their backyard gardens. Pick up some old friends or try something new.

The Master Gardeners would like to thank our local Lee’s Crossing Feed and Farm as well as Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, Burpee, Eden Brothers, Holmes Seed Companies, Mary’s Heirloom Seeds and Victory Seed Company for their generous contributions of seeds to this project. Donations of seeds may also be made at these seed libraries. There is a QR code to scan at the libraries for additional information on this project along with planting tips. A seed library inspires healthier eating, environmental education for young and old, and hands-on learning for those who want to grow their own food.

Your local Master Gardeners want to encourage you to enjoy the benefits of gardening. There is significant evidence that exposure to plants and green space, and particularly to gardening, is beneficial for both mental and physical health of both adults and children. Gardening is exercise with the benefits you can taste. Bending, squatting, raking as well as carrying bags of soil or mulch increases your stability, flexibility and balance. If you have physical limitations, maybe a bench or a raised bed will help you achieve your gardening goals. Growing your own vegetables can improve your diet and leave money in your wallet. Time outside reduces stress, lowers your heart rate, eases tension and provides the benefits of vitamin D. But don’t forget your sunscreen! All these benefits can also benefit your mental health. A garden doesn’t have to be large – a few tomato plants, a container of lettuce, a few potted herbs or flowers planted alongside your sidewalk or driveway. Once you feel more confident, expand your garden.

Jeremy Snell, interim Director for the Troup-Harris Regional Library said this:

“We appreciate the work of the Master Gardeners in bringing this new service to the community. Gardening requires curiosity and creativity, both traits our libraries work to foster so I feel this is a natural partnership. It’s wonderful that the experienced gardener and eager novice will be able to enhance their growing season by visiting the library.”