BECOME A SEED LIBRARIAN/ GARDEN STAND HOST/Co-host/ Seed Shepherd

1. Figure out where you are going to put it.  Seed Libraries and Garden Stands are shared spaces and a community service for all. As a collective we are creating a larger food sovereignty network. 
2. Making it easy for people to share their items with clear walkways to your location, next to the sidewalk or street, on your patio or carport. (visible from the street is helpful)
3. You can put the stand anywhere on your property that works for you and your neighborhood. Check with your neighbors and your HOA if you have one. Seed libraries are an easy way to participate if you live in a HOA,  as having a small area on your front patio is acceptable.
4. Having a stand is work. To be successful you’ll need to keep it tidy, don’t have old plants, keep the water that has clippings clean and keep an eye on the donations at least every other day. You can have a co-host, neighbor or family member as back up. We do not want warped furniture or bags hanging with items. Neighbors will start to complain, then the city can get involved.
5. Posting, on different social media, do fun giveaways for special items at least once a month or more has been a great way to keep everyone up to date. 
6. Build it or Find it.
7. You can use a pallet, shelving, baskets, or whatever works for you and your neighborhood. See pictures in the group for ideas, or the map.
8. When choosing a stand or building one, consider its sturdiness in wind, rain, and prolonged sun. Metal is preferred, if a stand is light or easily toppled, consider cementing in place or securing it to a fence or wall; you can use rebar or heavy blocks at the bottom. If you want to bring the stand in during weather or holiday consider putting it on wheels. Painting or staining the stand can prevent water/weather damage.
9. Choose a waterproof and windproof container for seeds/seed packets. Seeds are a living thing and can not survive (be viable) if left out in the heat for t0o long. Learn more about being a seed librarian on our videos on the hosts private group. Make sure you do have shade in the summer if your stand is not closed, or remove the seeds in temperature at 78’ or above, they are a living thing. (my option, do your own study on seeds to become a successful seed librarian)
10. Use zip ties to secure containers to the stand or wire. 
11. Label it.
12. Make signage. You can write the slogan: Share generously, Take a plant-Leave some. We also like to say   “thank you for supporting the stands, this is what keeps them open”. You can say whatever you think is best to communicate that your plants and gardening items are FREE  to take. Decorating or painting can help people know what the stand is! Our placards are still in the works.
13. Make it official.
14. Don’t post anything about your stand yet! Make sure you have a Stand or Name  for your Seed Library (or we will help you if needed) and get you on the map! FIRST Send Dephane Marcelle a FB message or email (info@gardenexchangestands.org) before you post anything about your stand on facebook, that includes: 
15. A picture of your stand in place & a street view (as if you were driving)
16. Full Address &  MAJOR Cross Streets
17. Fill out this form once your Garden Stand/Seed Library is in place and ready for visitors.  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1F6Wvy4bShJfxXoNrQN25dhQzuUUq0Wns6s9DdFMpR2s/edit
18. We will send you the policy, procedures and standard in FB messages or via email. We will make the official announcement on the FB BUSINESS PAGE and other social media, follow us on Fb or IG for the latest news https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080474700971 and in the main group about your stand.  Once on the map, please make sure the logo icon is in the right location. You will be invited to the hosts and co-hosts private group. Give us 24 hours or more if a holiday to get you official. Our email Gardenexchangestandsorg@pm.me
19. Stock it.
20. Put out cuttings, seeds, plants, pots, or any gardening supplies you want to give away. You can sort seeds into individual packets (best way), seed bags/envelopes and a marker for people to take what they need.
21. You can ask for seed/plant donations in the either group or ask a local store, Buy Nothing group, Nextdoor and FB market place for free stuff.  As a host, we are not supposed to supply all items, it is a shared space and the gardening community love to give.
22. Tell people.
23. When you do post in either group, please have your stand name and city. Photos with all your plants, seeds or cuttings are fun to see and gives the visitors ideas of what you have at that time and gives them ideas of what they can donate. The more you post,  them more visitors you will get.
24. Consider telling your neighbors what you are doing so they don’t get worried when they see people stopping by!
25. Post other places if you want (your page, neighborhood group, your BuyNothing group, Nextdoor, offer up). It would be nice if you could include the Garden Exchange Stands Org website for those not on FaceBook.  Here is a direct link to the website for those not on social media; https://gardenexchangestands.org
26. Our YouTube videos about the stands, gardening and other helpful tips. AS ALWAYS, go like, subscribe and share with others. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOTabcTvhY-lBHPgrtu3RvA
27. We are a non-profit charity. Read the website disclaimers and our procedures, policies, and standards.  We were are a component fund under Legacy Global Programs for 3 years (previously know as The Charity Foundation)  share our group or website with anyone that has a business that supports our mission. https://gardenexchangestands.org

7. Please Make sure you have everything ready to send to me, (Dephane Marcelle Weaver) this will save lots of time of going back and forth. The map and list is solely owned by the Garden Exchange Stands Org and may not be used for purposes other than intended by the Organization and only with express written permission of the Organization.
*TOGETHER WE”RE  BRINGING  BACK GARDENING CULTURE 

 "It's a lifestyle!"

*********SEED SHEPHERD'S GUIDE********

1. YouTube video; https://youtu.be/TP0qadHvhw4?si=l5HiBp3BHjJa98pt We love sharing our knowledge about seeds. We ask that you learn to make origami seed packets. We use old newspapers, magazines, and pretty paper in many sizes. There will be a youtube video or join us at one of our many events. We normally have them at all events and will show you “how to” make them during that time. You can take home a few and learn from those. There are many ways to make envelopes, pick what is the best for you.
2. Depending on how many seeds that have been donated, we normally add 5-10 seeds per packet. We do not count, as once you get going a small to very small pinch will do. We do not supply a whole packet of seeds, when one packet can make 5-20 packets. Our Seed Libraries are not a place to get a person's whole garden going with 30 heads of lettuce. We support community gardens and schools. If someone is wanting to sign up for a large donation, ask them to check the website and send in a request.  
3. Because Hosts, Seed Shepherds, Co-Host, and volunteers stop by headquarters or an event for seeds, origami packets, and seed cards throughout the year, we are always asking for help packing them up. Remember to keep track of your volunteer hours. 
4. Sometimes we use (approved) printed stickers, (approved) seed cards, or envelopes. We use whatever is available for filling. On these you’ll read “go to the website for the global map/mission & disclaimers.” Please read our Plant Variety Protection Act and know that seeds are a living thing and can’t be left in a hot car. 
5. If you take home seeds/packets to do at home, please note that the main place to return is headquarters. The “city farm” homestead headquarters 1438 North 66thh Place, Mesa, Az. We do have other drop off and pick up locations depending on who is able to manage. While we have the seeds available, feel free to take some that are already to be distributed for your garden, family, friends, neighbors, and the stands. The Seed Libraries and Stands are shared spaces and a community service for all. We’re creating a larger food sovereignty network together. We’re bringing back gardening culture.  “It’s a lifestyle”

****Co-Hosts*** are people who can't have one in their yards or do not want the responsibility of running one full time. We ask that they check on the location they choose, tidy up and check in with that host to see what they need if out of town on holiday. It's that simple. Send an email for more help and to pick a location. gardenexchanegestandsorg@pm.me