Each year, seed libraries across the State of Michigan come together to promote growing, saving, and sharing seeds! A seed is chosen that is an open-pollinated, heirloom variety. It is our hope that participants attempt to save seed and donate some back to the seed library, although this is not a requirement to participate in One Seed, One State.
Our One Seed, One State for 2025 is ‘Little Finger’ Carrot!
A Nantes-type carrot, ‘Little Finger’ has blunt ends and a deep orange color, and reach their full size of 3”-4” in just 65 days. Their small size makes them great for compact soils and suitable for growing in containers that are at least 12” deep. ‘Little Finger’ Carrots can be planted every 2-3 weeks from mid-April through August for a steady supply all summer and fall. They are cold hardy and can remain in the ground even after the first fall frosts. ‘Little Finger’ Carrots are the first One Seed, One State selection that is a both a root crop and a biennial, so you have a chance to practice a new seed saving skill!
Registration will begin in January and seeds will be distributed in March.
Please submit a contact form if you have any questions about One Seed, One State or need to be added to the MI Seed Library Network email list.
When choosing our seed, we try for a Michigan connection. The ability to easily grow and save seeds from the plant in all parts of the state is a requirement. Each seed library receives seeds and access to digital promotional materials, including a full-color poster, labels, and a brochure with growing and seed-saving instructions.
New in 2023 was the ability to register multiple libraries. Some library systems prefer to receive and handle OSOS materials for their branch seed libraries at a central location. If this works for you, have one designated person apply for all the branches. If you want each branch to handle their own One Seed, One State materials, have each branch register as an individual seed library.
Registration is limited to public, academic, or tribal libraries or other community organizations that are open to the public.
MSLN cannot supply seeds to persons or families that are not affiliated with a public or academic organization. We encourage individuals in search of seeds to find a seed library near them using our interactive Michigan Seed Library Map. If you don’t find a seed library near you, stop by and encourage your library to consider opening one. Better yet, volunteer to help organize the project using the resources on this website!
We were thrilled to serve 267 seed libraries with One Seed, One State kits in 2024! The Michigan Seed Library Network’s One Seed/One State is run entirely by volunteers and funded by donations. Each participating organization in the One Seed/One State program contributes by filling and labeling their seed packets, printing their own materials provided by MSLN, setting up the display, and promoting the program locally. Participants are asked to provide feedback and a photo of their display at the end of the program.
Seed and materials for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 One Seed, One State are donated by Rosy Dawn Gardens
Website hosting is donated by Small House Farm
History of One Seed, One State
In 2019, The Michigan Seed Library Network announced our first One Seed, One State initiative to be held in 2020. Seed Libraries across the State of Michigan would come together to promote growing, saving, and sharing seeds! Due to mandated library closures in early 2020, we made the difficult decision to delay the program until 2021.
Despite the delay, the 2021 One Seed, One State initiative was a success! 63 Seed Libraries in Michigan registered to receive seeds for ‘Provider’ green bean. ‘Provider’ is a delicious green snap bean known for its ability to germinate in cool soil. Beans are on of the easiest crops for seed saving.
The One Seed, One State seed selection for 2022 was ‘Boston Pickling’ cucumber, an American heirloom with a Michigan connection! It was introduced in 1877 by the Detroit seed company D. M. Ferry & Co. This selection gave us an opportunity to take a step forward in seed saving! Together, we learned more about isolation, hand pollinating, and processing of wet seeds.
In 2023 the seed selection was ‘Grand Rapids’ lettuce. Developed in Michigan, it is cold hardy and suitable for growing in early spring and fall or in unheated hoop-houses in winter.
In 2024 seed for One Seed, One State was ‘Mammoth Long Island’ Dill! We had a record 267 Seed Libraries from all over Michigan sign up. Thank you to all who participated and shared seeds with their communities!
