Wow! It's been 5 years since we launched the SowGrowReapEat program! According to our records, we've "checked out" over 10,000 seed packets! We're happy to report that we still have seeds that you can take home. Visit the operating library locations to find out what seeds are in stock. Go to elpasolibrary.org to find out which locations have reopened during this time.

Because the seeds are several years old, they may not be viable. Our staff has taken measures to test the seeds for viability, but it cannot be guaranteed that the seeds will germinate. Please follow these instructions before planting your seeds:

• When you're ready to plant your seeds, follow these steps the day before.
  
• To ensure that your seeds will sprout, place them in a bowl of water overnight.
  
• The seeds that are still able to germinate will sink to the bottom of the container, while the bad seeds will float to the top.
  
• Skim the bad seeds off the top of the water and discard.
  
• The seeds that sunk to the bottom should be planted immediately. 

​For local growing tips or questions, visit the El Paso Master Gardeners' website. 

We'd love to see what you've grown or harvested from our seed library! Be sure to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or send us an email on our contact form. 

The seed libraries have launched! We began lending seeds at some of our branches the last couple of months, and now all locations are on board. You can visit any public library to "check out" up to 5 seed packets this season, which ends September 21. After that date, you'll be able to check out another 5 packets from September 22-December 20.

September also happens to be National Library Card Sign-up Month, so it's the perfect time to get a library card if you don't already have one! You'll be able to check out books, ebooks, and digital magazines to help you get started.
 
Many people don't know that this is a great time to start gardening in El Paso. The weather is cooling down, making it ideal to grow various plants. The list below shows some of the seeds that can be directly sown into your garden. Plants like lettuces and radishes can be replanted every 2-4 weeks. 

You can direct sow the following seeds from our collections:
Carrots (up until October 10)
Lettuce (Sept 10 - Oct 10)
Peas (Aug 11- Sep 10)
Beets (Aug 26 - Oct 10)
Radishes (Sep 10 - Oct 10)
Turnips (Sep 25 - Oct 25)
Wildflowers
Herbs: Cilantro, parsley

To view our complete collection, click on the Seeds & Locations page at the top. We have 35 varieties in our opening collection, and plan on adding more seeds soon.

Visit our resources page to learn how to get started. You can also call the El Paso Master Gardeners' Hotline for help at (915) 771-2354.

Don't forget to share your pictures with us by tagging us and using the hashtag, #sowgrowreapeat!

We are so close to launching our seed libraries! All of our library branches are busy packing the seeds.

In the meantime, here's what you can do and eat!

​Attend a workshop:
Saturday, May 14 @ 10:00 am
Do Me a Flavor: Growing Herbs
Esperanza Acosta Moreno Library (12480 Pebble Hills)
Register here.

Saturday, May 14 @ 3:00 pm
Pots & More for Plants: Container Gardening
Memorial Park Library (3200 Copper)
Register here.

Tuesday, May 17 @ 5:30 pm
Getting Dirty with Garden Soil
Dorris Van Doren Library (551 Redd Rd.)
Register here.

Eat what's in season:
artichoke, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, corn, cucumber, fava beans, peas, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, zucchini, apricots, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, lemons, limes, pineapple, strawberries

Hello & welcome to the Sow.Grow.ReapEat blog!

This is where we'll be posting about the progress of this project, as well as information about seasonal planting and cooking. 

Right now, we're still in the process of receiving the seeds that we ordered, and divvying them up to be checked out by you! We're estimating that you'll be able to check out seeds by late April. As in this month! 

In the meantime, you can begin planning your gardens and getting your soil ready! Free monthly gardening workshops taught by the El Paso County Master Gardeners will take place at libraries on the east, west, and central sides of town. Don't forget the master gardeners also have workshops at the Multipurpose Recreation Center (9031 Viscount), which is very close to the Jose Cisneros Cielo Vista Library on Hawkins. 

You can call the library to save your spot or visit our event page on Eventbrite at sowgrowreapeat.eventbrite.com. From there, you'll be able to choose the locations and dates you'd like to attend. Attend one or as many as you like! Please note that the central location is split between two locations, with the first three workshops beginning at Memorial Park Library and the second three at the Main Library. 
​
Save these April dates!
Date: Saturday, April 16 @ 3:00 pm:
Location: Memorial Park Library, 3200 Copper (central)
Topic: Getting Dirty with Garden Soil 
Phone: 566-1034

Date: Tuesday, April 19 @ 5:30 pm: 
Location: Dorris Van Doren Library, 551 Redd Rd. (westside)
Topic: Pots & More for Plants (container gardening)
Phone: 875-0700

Date: Saturday, April 23 @ 10:00 am: 
Location: Esperanza Acosta Moreno Library, 12480 Pebble Hills (eastside)
Topic: Getting Dirty with Garden Soil 
Phone: 921-7001

Also, be sure to visit our table @ the Earth Day celebration during the Downtown Art & Farmers Market!