Free seeds are available for pick-up at all branch locations each growing season. In addition to free seeds, check out resources and attend workshops about growing and using plants from your seeds!
Seeds Available: March - September
Limit: 5 packets per visit
Donations
Seeds may be donated using donation envelopes available at any library branch. Donations must include common name, month, and year seed was saved, and name of saver (if hybrid or treated, that must also be noted). Any donations that do not include these items or that are not in the donation envelopes will be removed.
For a full calendar listing of our gardening programs and many resources targeted to successful local gardening in Indianapolis, see our Gardening blog post.
Made possible by The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund through a grant to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Flowers
Coneflower
Marigold
Milkweed
Nasturtium
Sunflower
Zinnia
Limited Quantity
Callaloo
Crimson Clover (Cover Crop)
Dill
Green - Mizuna
Hyssop - Anise
Okra
Sour Leaf (Roselle)
Spring Oats (Cover Crop)
Sweet Alyssum
Tomatillo
Turnip
Wildflower Mix
Herbs
Basil - Common
Basil - Unique
Chamomile
Cilantro
Parsley
Rosemary
Thyme
Vegetables
Arugula
Beans - Chickpeas
Carrots
Cucumbers
Green Beans
Lettuce
Kale
Peas - Snow
Peppers - Spicy
Peppers - Sweet
Radishes
Squash - Summer
Squash - Winter
Tomatoes - Cherry
Tomatoes - Slicing
Upcoming Programs
Cover Crops and End of Season Garden Tasks
Glendale Branch
As the gardening season moves into Fall there are still things to do. We’ll talk about cover crops, crop rotation and how to get your garden tools ready for winter storage. This is a time to celebrate your victories and plan for next year.
Harvesting and Preserving Herbs
East 38th Street Branch
Join Shirley Ulicni to learn about when and how to harvest and store your herbs. Learn about drying, freezing, and important tips and tricks!
Gardening with Bulbs
East Washington Branch
Join Amy Mullen to learn about gardening with flower bulbs. Amy will share when to plant different bulbs and how to care for them.
2026 Seed Packet Art Contest
Submit your artwork to be considered for next year's seed packets. All kinds of images are welcome - photos of plants, artwork, photos of food, or scans of paintings or illustrations are all great ideas!
- Anyone 14 years of age or older is eligible to submit artwork via this online form.
- Artists 13 and younger, or those who prefer, may drop off a submission at any Indianapolis Public Library branch. Be sure to include the name you wish credited for the artwork!
- Final artwork will be 1 inch X 1.5 inch. Very small, so keep this in mind with your design. Details will get lost when the work is reduced.
- One entry per person.
- Deadline for submissions: September 30, 2025
Book Lists for Adults
- Plantable Paper and Other Fun Seedy-ness
- Botanical and Herb Garden Creations
- Eating the Season
- Edible Flowers
- Flower Gardening in Indiana
- Flower Gardening with a Plan
- Free Gardening Docs from Purdue
- Garden Pest Management
- Garden Photography
- Gardening e-Books
- Gardening in an Apartment (or other small space!)
- Grow Food, Not Lawns
- Growing Fruit in the City
- Indoor Kitchen Gardens
- Not e-Books...other Digital Gardening Resources
- Plant Buddies
- A Rose is Rose is a Rose
- Soil Health
Adult Fiction
Book Lists for Kids
- Cloistered Gardening for Kiddos
- Gardening for Kids
- How Does Your Garden Grow
- Let it Grow! Springtime Flowers and Gardens
- Little Indoor Gardens for Kids - Terrariums & the Hydrologic Cycle
- Plants for Kids - Experiments and Activities for Backyard Botanists
- Seeds and Sprouts
- Seeds to Grow
Resources
- Gardening Bulletins from Purdue Extension has a great list of resources about Flowers and Houseplants, Fruits and Nuts, Landscape, Vegetables, and loads of general topics.
- DIY Online Storytime: Read Right Now! Gardening
Making a connection between gardening and food is an important skill for small children. Where does food come from BEFORE it is in the grocery store? We can help you get started learning about where food comes from!
