One Seed, One State – MI Seed Library Network

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 those who borrow seed from their local seed library attempt to save seed and donate some back to the seed library. To receive seeds and participate in the One Seed, One State program you must have a seed library in a place that is open to the public. Most seed libraries in Michigan are in public, academic, or tribal libraries so the public can access them freely. Others are run by community organizations, seed collaboratives, conservation districts, etc. We do not have the resources to send seeds to individuals, families, private groups, or clubs unless they manage a seed library that is open to the public. To locate a seed library near you, check our interactive Michigan Seed Library Map

Registration is now open for the 2026 season! Our One Seed, One State selection for 2026 is ‘Pacific Beauty’ Calendula. Calendula is a popular, easy-to-grow heirloom annual known for its daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, gold, and orange that attract pollinators to the garden. Calendula is also a healing herb widely grown for its edible petals that are used in salads, teas, and skin remedies. Calendula thrives in sunny spots and is great for borders, containers, and cutting gardens. It is not bothered by light frosts, which makes it a great season extender for northern gardens.

Registration ends on February 28, 2026. 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.

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 encouraged to provide feedback and a photo of their display at the end of the program.

Seed for One Seed, One State is donated by Rosy Dawn Gardens and Small House Farm. 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!
In 2025 we shared ‘Little Finger’ Carrot with our seed libraries. Once again the previous year’s record was broken with 331 seed libraries receiving seeds!