Sowing the Seeds of Wellbeing: Our Seed Library Project

Libraries have always been known for sharing resources, but this year we decided to try sharing something a little different: seeds.

The idea came from Christine, our Trust Clinical Educator Lead, who was inspired by the success of the seed library at University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwick. Knowing that gardening was already popular among our library users and colleagues, we decided to grow the idea into a staff wellbeing initiative of our own.

Launched in July, our seed library allows colleagues to browse an assortment of seeds, take some home to grow and donate any they have to spare. With flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables available, there is something for everyone, whether they have a garden, a small outdoor space or simply some room for a pot on a windowsill.

A growing success

The project has received a fantastic response. Since its launch, more than 50 packets of seeds have been taken and over 100 donated. Staff have enjoyed browsing the collection, sharing gardening tips and letting us know how their seeds are getting on. The scheme has appealed to both experienced gardeners and beginners.

To spread the word, we promoted the seed library through Facebook, Trust Communications, the Trust Health and Wellbeing magazine, and at a Trust Health and Wellbeing Festival. We also created a display alongside the seed library featuring gardening books such as Grow Your Own Groceries by Simon Akeroyd and Garden Yourself Happy by Jonny Hincks.

Supporting staff wellbeing and community

Although the project is simple, wellbeing has been at the heart of it. NHS staff often work in busy and demanding environments, meaning that gardening can provide an enjoyable opportunity to switch off, spend time outdoors or simply focus on something different.

The project has also helped reinforce the library as more than a place to find evidence and information. It can be a welcoming space where staff can pause, discover something new and connect with others. Seeds may be a small thing to give away, but they have prompted conversations between colleagues who otherwise may never have crossed paths.

There is something fitting about running the project from a library too. Libraries are built around sharing resources so others can benefit from them, and the seed library follows a similar principle, with the added bonus of encouraging things to grow!

How does the seed library work?

We have deliberately kept the scheme simple and accessible. Staff can take seeds without having to donate any in return, and no gardening experience is needed. We simply ask people to take no more than five packets a month so that there are plenty left for others.

Donations are always welcome, whether they are unopened packets or spare seeds collected at home. We provide empty packets for home-collected seeds, which can be labelled with the seed type, variety, date harvested and any useful growing notes. A log book helps us keep track of what is being taken and donated.

We also have a feedback box where colleagues can tell us how their seeds are getting on. The comments so far have been really encouraging, with staff saying the seed library has “made my day”, describing it as a “really lovely initiative” and asking us to “keep it going.”

What next?

Following this year’s positive response, we are keen to see the seed library continue to grow. As well as replenishing the collection and encouraging further donations, we plan to introduce seed-swapping sessions, giving colleagues the opportunity to exchange cuttings and spare seeds as well as gardening tips and experiences.

For us, the project has shown that an initiative doesn’t have to be complicated to make a difference. What began with an assortment of seed packets and a second-hand cabinet has become an enjoyable way to support staff wellbeing, start conversations and connect with colleagues alongside our more traditional library services.

And, of course, we are looking forward to seeing what everyone manages to grow!

Molly Thomas-Chivers

Library Assistant

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust