Libraries of Plant Species and Horticulture Aids

Get Growing with Ease: Seed and Tool Libraries and More

Got a green thumb but short on dirt? Worry not! Our website's got you covered with seed libraries, tool shares, and a mob of gardening resources!

Need some seeds for your plant-buddies? No worries, you can grab them at our seed libraries. Here's where you can find them:

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At these libraries, you can borrow seeds of assorted plants without spending a dime. Once your garden blooms, share some seeds back with the community and watch as the sustainable cycle spins. Seed sharing programs are perfect for dipping a toe into gardening without breaking the bank or spending a bunch on materials. Props to Evelyn Meador and Baldwin Boettcher Branches for offering tools like gloves, rakes, spades, and more for borrowing too!

our website fosters a blooming community

Seed libraries are not just about plants and dirt; they help you connect with your local gardening gang, whether you're a newbie or a pro. So, get together with fellow enthusiasts at seed swaps! These are events to exchange seeds or plant clippings with other green-thumbs or the library, where you can chat about local tips and growing schedules. If you're into regular seed swapping, check out the Garden Club at the Katy Branch Library every 2nd Thursday of the month. Other branches throw swaps now and again, so keep an eye out for updates on our social media and events page.

our website: a virtual treasure trove of gardening guidance

Can't make it in person? No worries! You can catch informative gardening vids from past events or join the Harris County Master Gardeners' series called Green Thumb Gardening, airing live on the our website Facebook page every 3rd Tuesday at 11am. You can locate the backlog of these vids here. If Texas know-how is what you crave, Texas A&M has a whole array of helpful online resources on growing plants in Texas, available here.

Fill in your day with Harris County Master Gardener's live sessions: @harriscountypl
Catch up on missed Harris County Master Gardener's sessions on our website’s YouTube Channel.
Discover our website’s Tool Libraries

Seeds and Shovels at Your Fingertips

Why splurge on gardening books when we got a slew of 'em just for you? Whether you're learning to pot, cultivate, or make the most from your mini-garden, our collection of books has got your back!

The Basics of Blooming: The Beginner's Guide to Gardening

Holmes, Roger

A Fragrant Bouquet: Herb Gardening

Snyder, Melissa Melton

Fruits and Veggies Galore: Texas Fruit & Vegetable Gardening

Grant, Greg, 1962-

Gardening Simplified: Gardening Shortcuts

Hendy, Jenny, 1961-

Urban Oasis for Green Thumbs: Urban Gardening for Beginners

Thoma, Marc,

Sustainability Sorted: Easy Gardening for Texas

Masabni, Joseph Gebran

Better Homes for Plants: Better Homes and Gardens Vegetable, Fruit & Herb Gardening

Gardening for Everyone

Container Magic: Container Gardening for Beginners

Wylie, Tammy,

Sustainable Sense: Sustainable Gardening

Simeone, Vincent A.,

Tool Library FAQ

Tools are available for borrowing from our Evelyn Meador Branch Library in Seabrook and the Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library @ Mercer Park in north Harris County.

Tools at Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library

Tools at Evelyn Meador Branch Library

Tools include:

Any Harris County Public Library card holder without card restrictions can borrow our tools.

To borrow tools, a Harris County Public Library Gardening Tool Waiver must be signed.* Yes, all borrowed tools must return to the respective library where they were taken. Tools can be returned only when the library is open.

Please make sure to clean tools before returning. Failure to return tools will lead to the revoking of your tool borrowing privileges.* If a tool is returned damaged, you'll be billed for the replacement cost.

Fees for lost tools will be charged. If a lost item is found within a year from payment date, you can request a refund.

Learn more about Tool Library

At our seed libraries, you can borrow various seeds for free, nurture your garden, and then return some seeds back to the community to sustain the cycle.
If you're unable to attend in-person seed swaps, you can still engage with our gardening community by watching the Harris County Master Gardeners' live sessions on our website's Facebook page.
Our home-and-garden section offers a rich collection of books on various topics like container gardening, herb gardening, and sustainable gardening, catering to both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Libraries of Plant Species and Horticulture Aids