The Seed Library at WTPL

The Seed Library at WTPL Heirloom, non-GMO seeds for patrons to borrow, grow, and return; classes on all sorts of gardening topics; and fun events for the whole family.

You can borrow much more than just books at the Washington Township Public Library—like seeds! We’ve started a SEED LIBRARY to help the community learn more about where our food comes from and teach you how to grow it yourself. There will be heirloom, non-GMO seeds for patrons to borrow, grow, and return; classes on all sorts of gardening topics; and fun events for the whole family. If you’ve ever

thought about starting a vegetable garden, if you’re an experienced gardener who would like to connect with others, or if you’re just a fan of Jersey tomatoes (like we are), then check out The Seed Library .

04/16/2026

Most garden beds need three inches of mulch. Not one. Not four. Three.

One inch blocks some annual weeds but dries out fast. Two inches saves water but still lets persistent weeds through. Four inches insulates roots in winter — but traps moisture against stems and causes rot in actively growing beds.

Three inches is where everything works at once. W**ds stop germinating through it. The soil underneath stays dark and moist between waterings. And the bottom layer is constantly decomposing — feeding organic matter into the soil while the top layer is still suppressing weeds.

The mulch is building your soil and protecting it at the same time.

🌱 The one rule at any depth:

- Pull mulch back an inch or two from every stem. Mulch touching bark holds moisture against it around the clock — that's how collar rot starts. The bare circle around each stem isn't laziness, it's the whole point

Best mulch by use: straw for vegetable beds (light, cheap, breaks down in one season), wood chips for perennials and paths (lasts longer), shredded leaves for free soil feeding (decomposes fastest).

Three inches. Pulled back from stems. That's the entire system 🌿

04/16/2026
04/16/2026

The 6th Annual Great Swamp Watershed Association and Pollinator Partners Plant for Pollinators Sale is officially LIVE! 🌸🐝

Give your garden a purpose this season by shopping our massive selection of 34 individual species, 5 specialized kits, 8 bulk ground covers, and 4 specialty species. We even have hats, signs, and books to get you fully geared up for planting season!

Everything is available now on our e-commerce site at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/ndaXPQ?vid=1pmad1 Make sure to get your orders in soon—online purchases are open through 5:00 PM on April 21st. Let’s get planting and help our local pollinators thrive! 🦋🌱✨

04/16/2026

Ready to bring your garden to life while supporting a healthier watershed?

The Musconetcong Watershed Association's Native Plant Sale makes it easy to get started. Simply browse our curated Pollinator, Rain Garden, and Woodland bundles and place your order through the link in the comments today!

All orders will be available for pickup at the River Resource Center on May 9th from 9am to 2pm. 10 Maple Ave. Asbury, NJ 08802 (contact [email protected] or call 908-537-7060 to set up alternate pickup)

04/16/2026

Japanese Honeysuckle, Multiflora Rose, Spotted Lanternfly, Mile-A-Minute W**d, Emerald Ash Borer, OH NO!

On April 22 (Earth Day), at 6:30 pm, the NJ Invasive Species Strike Team will share information on how to eradicate these pesky pests and plants, and how to conserve the often-rare native species.

Find out more and register to attend on the library's website, wtpl.org.

03/28/2026
03/23/2026

March is the month native bees begin to stir. The habits that protected them all winter now shift toward welcoming their return.
Leave stems until you see activity; mason bees emerge on warm afternoons above 55°F.
Watch bare soil for tiny holes; mining bees are among the first to wake.
Let leaf litter stay until consistent warmth; bumblebee queens leave shelter last.
Plant early bloomers now; crocus, willow, and hellebore feed hungry first foragers.
Keep dead wood in place; cavity-nesters may not emerge until late spring.
Mark ground-nesting areas; avoid foot traffic where bees tunnel near the surface.
The bees that wake in March remember gardens that gave them safe places to sleep.

03/23/2026

Our plant cuttings library has been refilled! Come grab your own lil baby spider plant. You can find the plant cuttings library around the corner from the circulation desk, between the magazines and adult fiction.

03/10/2026

CALLING ALL GARDENERS! Our seed library will be in full swing again this year, so come on out to start your garden right this year! Please register on our website: https://wtpl.libcal.com/event/16199222

Plus, stay tuned for a series of inspiring gardening programs this spring at the library - grab a flyer at the front desk to learn more!

03/10/2026

Registration for this always popular program closes at 12:00 Noon on Friday, March 6! Register now before it's too late....

01/15/2026

If you've got rusty pruners, just drop them in this two-ingredient liquid (which you'll already have at home) and watch the rust drop off. (See comments)

Address

37 E Springtown Road
Long Valley, NJ
07853

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 9pm
Tuesday 10am - 9pm
Wednesday 10am - 9pm
Thursday 10am - 9pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(908) 876-3596

Website

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