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Michigan State University

Thomas Volkening Seed Library at MSU Libraries

The MSU Library Seed Library is a publicly accessible place to pick-up some seeds for vegetable, herb and flower growing.

Spinach

Pinetree Spinach Mix (Spinacia oleracea)

This a sampling of varieties that provide a multiple textures, flavors, and maturity rates..

Seeds and growing:

Growing days: 45 to full bolt, but can be harvested earlier.
Sun: Full sun, tolerates some shade
Start seeds outside in March and/or September Can be started inside 3-4 weeks before transplanting outside
Sow seeds 1/2” deep at 6”-12” spacing

Squash - Summer

Saffron yellow summer squash seeds, dimeSaffron Yellow Summer SquashesSaffron Yellow Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo)

Sweet, tender, and the vine produces many squash on a smaller, single-stemmed bush.

Seeds and growing:

Growing days: 42
Sun: Full sun
Start seeds indoors then transplant when overnight temperatures are above 60.
Or, sow in or hills 4' apart, 2 seeds/hill.

Squash - Zucchini

Zucchini squash seeds, DimeCocozelle ZucchiniCocozelle Zucchini

A rich and flavorful squash.

Seeds and growing:

Growing days: 53
Sun: Full sun
Sow outside in hills 4' apart, 1-2 seeds per hill.

Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard, Bright Lights seeds, dimeSwiss Chard varieties in the fieldSwiss Chard, Bright Lights (Beta vulgaris, cicla group)
Seeds and growing:

Growing days: 56
Sun: Full
Sow seeds ½" deep, 2 seeds every 2" in late spring. Plants will grow quite large, height 20 inches. Space according to use, can be direct-seeded 2" apart for baby-leaf harvest; thin to 12–16" apart for large leaves.

Tomato

Kellogg's Breakfast tomato seeds, dimePicture of seven Kellogg’s Breakfast TomatosKellogg’s Breakfast Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Heirloom variety. Large, orange-yellow tomato that's great for slicing or eating fresh with a sweet and tangy flavor.

Seeds and growing:

Indeterminate variety
Growing days: 80
Sun: Full
Start indoors in April, sow seeds 1/4" deep, and transplant after frost (May-June) at 3 feet spacing.

 

Speckled Roman tomato seeds, dimeSpeckled Roman Paste TomatosSpeckled Roman Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Elongated, cylindrical roma-style tomato with beautiful gold and red striped skin and full tomato flavor. Good for sauces, canning, and snacking straight off the vine.

Seeds and growing:

Indeterminate variety
Growing days: 85
Sun: Full
Start indoors in April, sow seeds 1/4" deep, and transplant after frost (May-June) at 3 feet spacing.

Indeterminate plants continually grow and produce tomatoes all along the stems throughout the growing season. They can grow very tall and will need a cage or trellis.

Determinate plants reach a certain plant height and then stop growing. The will produce the tomatoes within a month each other or all at once. most will need a cage for added support especially as the tomatoes grow heavier.

Tomatoes - Cherry & Pear

Peacevine cherry tomato seeds, dimePeacevine Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Very productive! One inch spherical fruits that are sweet, firm, juicy and a joy to eat  - just like candy!
Seeds and growing:

Indeterminate variety
Growing days: 78
Sun: Full
Start indoors in April, sow seeds 1/4" deep, and transplant after frost (May-June) at 3 feet spacing.

 

Indeterminate plants continually grow and produce tomatoes all along the stems throughout the growing season. They can grow very tall and will need a cage or trellis.

Determinate plants reach a certain plant height and then stop growing. The will produce the tomatoes within a month each other or all at once. most will need a cage for added support especially as the tomatoes grow heavier.