Seed Hub Resources

Welcome to the Cooperative Gardens Commission (CGC) community as a Seed Hub for your area!

These beautiful seeds represent the collective work of countless people - growers, seed companies, donors, volunteers at the Philadelphia Main Seed Hub, Seed Distribution Working Group, and now you! Please honor that work and ensure these seeds are distributed to anyone in your community that needs them, especially those who struggle with access to fresh healthy food.

CGC is a movement for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, survivor status, economic status, immigration/documentation status, nationality, language, appearance, age, religion, ability, background, or health. Discrimination, violence, and oppressive behavior are not tolerated.

Tools For All

If you are a Seed Hub Manager, please use the Seed Hub Tracking tool to record how and where you distribute the seeds which will assist you in completing our survey at the end of the year.

Let seed recipients know they can track their seeds and harvests using the Seed and Eaters/Harvest Log.

Both of these tools are available in PDF format for downloading to print out.
Digital versions are in-the-works!

 

Seed Hub Tracking Tool

Seed Tracking and Harvest Log

Seed Tracking and Harvest Log

 
 

Each seed packet you have received is considered “bulk”, meaning you will divide them based on how much food the recipient will grow. 

For example, 5 bean, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, pea or spinach seeds will produce enough vegetables for several meals whereas 1 basil, collard, cucumber, kale, pepper, squash or tomato seed will produce vegetables for the entire season.  To assist you in dividing your bulk seeds, refer to Johnny’s Seeds online calculator at johnnyseeds.com/seed-quantity-calculator/.

We recommend dividing your bulk seeds into small Ziploc baggies or coin envelopes.  Large seeds are easily counted but we advise using measuring teaspoons (1/8, ¼, ½ ) for the smaller seeds.  Label each package using a system that works best for you and your community.

Distribute your created packages based on the resources available in your area.  Some ideas include: a table at the farmer’s market, seed library at your local library, create/post on a Facebook group, call local community gardens, post notices in the newspaper or around your neighborhood, work with schools & community recreation centers to set up a pick-up station, post on social media, create mini-seed boxes around town, or whatever creative way you have to share these seeds.

Encourage your growers to save seeds. 

One resource is Community Seed Network at:  communityseednetwork.org/resources/

In addition to distributing these seeds, you may become a resource to support your growers.  We can help.

  • Visit the donor seed company’s website for detailed planting, growing and seed saving information.  We credit the donor seed company on the bulk packages you receive.