PARKING NOTICE: Parking at the Eastside Branch will be significantly impacted by the Ontario Volleyball Championships taking place at RIM Park during the month of April. Click here to see exact the dates and find more info about how you can still enjoy the library’s services during this time.

Get Growing

Enjoy environmental literacy initiatives at the library including a seed library, outdoor gardening opportunities, and hydroponic indoor growing.

Happy black father and son watering plants together.
Group of kindergarten kids learning gardening outdoors

Discover All You Can Grow at the Library

As part of our focus on helping the community build environmental literacy skills, we’re excited to introduce new initiatives at the library that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about food production and food sustainability along with increased awareness around caring for the environment.

We invite you to take part and discover more about:

  • Environmental Litearcy
  • Food Security
  • Community Building

Seed Library

COMING MAY 2025

Our Seed Library is an opportunity for customers to take seeds home and grow their very own garden. WPL’s seeds include vegetables, herbs and flowers that encourage native pollinators. Last year, we heard many growing success stories, including seeds from our library used to grow a community garden! 

As part of our Get Growing initiative, we want to take environmental literacy, food literacy and sustainability off a printed page, and into your home. Contribute to our sharing economy by harvesting seeds at the end of the planting season and bringing them back to the library to be shared with our community next year. You can also learn more about how planting impacts pollination, keeping our bees thriving, through planting and gardening resources and programs at WPL. 

Person holding basket with freshly picked vegetables.

Seed Library FAQs

Seed Information

  • Cilantro / Coriander
    Close up of the leaves of cilantro herb

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Lettuces, Herbs, Beans, Onions

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow after last frost.

    Learn More
  • Fernleaf Dill
    Close up of dill stems and leaves

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Annual (will self seed)

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Cucumbers, Herbs, Onions

    Planting Information: Sun, direct-sow 6mm deep and 2.5cm apart, mid-April to mid-July.

    Learn More
  • Oregano
    Close up of oregano leaves

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Perennial

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Basil, Squash, Cucumbers, Pest Control

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 6mm deep and 3mm apart, mid-to-late May.

    Learn More
  • Chives
    Chives flowering

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Perennial

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Pest Control, Carrots, Broccoli, Onions, Beets

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 6mm deep and 2.5cm apart, mid-to-late May.

    Learn More
  • Italian Plain Leaved Parsley
    Close up of Italian parsley leaves

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Carrots, Chives, Corn, Onions, Other Herbs

    Planting Information: Soak seeds overnight and sow 6mm deep and 10cm apart, mid-May.

    Learn More
  • Organic Sweet Basil
    Close up of basil leaves

    Category: Herb

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Pest Control, Lettuces, Other Herbs, Root Vegetables

    Planting Information: Sow outdoors mid to late-May, full sun.

    Learn More
  • Early Wonder Beets
    Close up of beets

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Lettuce, Beans, Onions, Radish, Swiss Chard

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow in sandy soil, 1.2cm deep and 2.5cm apart mid-May to mid-July.

    Learn More
  • Green Magic Hybrid Broccoli
    Broccoli growing in a garden

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Beets, Dill, Radishes

    Planting Information: Full sun, start indoors then transplant outdoors after 7-10 days, 45cm apart in rows.

    Learn More
  • Rainbow Blend Carrots
    Rainbow blend carrots

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Biennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Onions, Peas

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 7-15mm deep in rows 45cm apart mid-May.

    Learn More
  • Blue Lake Bush Bean
    Close up of green beans

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Corn, Squash

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 2.5cm deep and 8cm apart, late-May to mid-July.

    Learn More
  • Kentucky Wonder Wax Yellow Pole Bean
    Close up of yellow beans

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Corn, Squash

    Planting Information: Full sun, direct sow 2.5cm deep & 8cm apart, grow on trellis or pole, late-May.

    Learn More
  • Early Scarlet Globe Radish
    Bunch of radishes

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Lettuces

    Planting Information: Sun, sow every 2-weeks deep & 2.5cm apart in rows 30cm apart, mid-summer

    Learn More
  • Marketmore Cucumber (Slicing Type)
    Field cucumbers in a basket

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Dill, Corn, Sunflowers, Beans, Radishes, Herbs

    Planting Information: Full sun, direct sow, 2cm deep in a soil hill 30-60cm across apart 6-8 seeds per hill, mid-summer.

    Learn More
  • Sugar Snap Peas
    close up of sugar snap peas

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Carrots, Beans, Corn, Cucumbers

    Planting Information: Full sun, direct sow in double rows spaced 25cm apart with the seed 6.5cm apart within the row and 1.25-2.5cm deep, early summer (April to mid-May).

    Learn More
  • Early Yellow Globe Onion
    Close up of yellow onions

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Carrots, Herbs, Cantaloupe, Lettuces

    Planting Information: Full sun, sow direct 8-15mm deep and 15mm apart from mid-April.

    Learn More
  • Bilicious Sweet Corn Hybrid
    Close up of sweet corn still on the cob

    Category: Vegetable

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Beans, Squash

    Planting Information: Full sun, sow 10-15cm apart in rows, at least 3 rows, or in hills with 3-4 seeds per hill, mid-May to early June.

    Learn More
  • Dark Zucchini Squash
    Close up of dark green zucchini.

    Category: Vegetable (Squash)

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Beans, Corn, Nasturtiums

    Planting Information: Full sun, start indoors or sow direct late-spring 2.5cm deep in hills 2.4m apart with 4-6 seeds per hill. After germination thin to 3 plants per hill.

    Learn More
  • Spaghetti Squash
    Close up of spaghetti squash

    Category: Vegetable (Squash)

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Beans, Corn, Nasturtiums

    Planting Information: Full sun, start indoors or sow direct late-spring 2.5cm deep in hills 2.4m apart with 4-6 seeds per hill. After germination thin to 3 plants per hill.

    Learn More
  • Waltham Butternut Squash (Winter Type)
    Close up of butternut squash

    Category: Vegetable (Squash)

    OSC SKU: 2260

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Beans, Corn, Nasturtiums

    Planting Information: Full sun, direct sow 2.5cm deep in hills 2.4m apart 4-6 seeds per hill, late May to mid-June.

    Learn More
  • Howden Pumpkin
    Pumpkin sitting in a pumpkin patch

    Category: Vegetable (Squash)

    OSC SKU: 2055

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Beans, Corn, Nasturtiums

    Planting Information: Full sun, start indoors or sow direct late spring 2.5cm deep in hills 2.4m apart with 4-6 seeds per hill. After germination thin to 3 plants per hill.

    Learn More
  • Bib Lettuce (Butterhead Type)
    Close up of bib lettuce in a garden

    Category: Vegetable (Lettuce)

    OSC SKU: 1745

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Radish, Carrots, Beans, Peas, Herbs

    Planting Information: Sun loving cool weather. Sow 3mm deep in rows 45cm apart. Even supply of moisture during entries growth period imperative for success. Mid-spring. Sow direct every two weeks as long as weather is cool.

    Learn More
  • Bright Lights Swiss Chard
    Swiss chard leaves and stalks laying on a table

    Category: Vegetable (Lettuce)

    Perennial or Annual? Biennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Onions, Chives, Lettuces, Carrots, Beans

    Planting Information: Sun to partial shade. Sow 1-2cm deep, 2.5cm apart, in rows 45cm apart. Sow mid-spring, bi-weekly until early July for ongoing supply. Gradually thin to 10cm apart.

    Learn More
  • Red Russian Kale
    Red kale bunches

    Category: Vegetable (Lettuce)

    Perennial or Annual? Biennial

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Onions, Chives, Beans, Peas, Radishes

    Planting Information: Sun to partial shade, direct sow 1cm deep in rows 60cm apart, early spring up to early July, thin seedlings to 30cm apart. Cold tolerant. Best flavours after fall frosts.

    Learn More
  • Little Gem Mini Lettuce (Romaine or Cos Type)
    Close up of mini lettuce (romaine)

    Category: Vegetable (Lettuce)

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Radish, Carrots, Beans, Peas, Herbs

    Planting Information: Sun loving cool weather. Sow 3mm deep in rows 45cm apart. Mid-spring. Sow every two weeks for continuous supply.

    Learn More
  • Hale's Best Cantaloupe
    Cantaloupe cut into slices

    Category: Fruit

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Onions, Chives, Nasturtiums, Bush Beans

    Planting Information: Sun, south facing wind-sheltered site, sow 5 seeds 2.5cm per hills 1.5-2cm apart, warm soil, late spring.

    Learn More
  • Sugar Baby Watermelon
    Field watermelon cut into slices

    Category: Fruit

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Dill

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 6-8 seeds per hill, 12mm deep in hills spaced 1.8-2.4m apart, early Summer.

    Learn More
  • Bee Pollinator Meadow Seed Mixture
    Wildflowers

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual & Perennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Vegetables that need pollinators

    Planting Information: Sun, sprinkle seeds onto prepared bed, soil loosened to 2.5cm, early May to mid-June or mid-Sept to late Oct.

    Learn More
  • Native Ontario Pollinator Seed Mixture
    A monarch butterfly sitting on a milkweed plant

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual & Perennial

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Vegetables that need pollinators

    Planting Information: Sun, sprinkle seeds onto prepared bed, soil loosened to 2.5cm, early May to mid-June or mid-Sept to late Oct.

    Learn More
  • Double Shirley Mixed Poppy Seeds
    Mixed poppies

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? Yes

    Pollinator? No

    Companion Plant With: Vegetables that need pollinators

    Planting Information: Sun to partial shade, direct sow into well-drained soil, barely cover seed with soil, Spring.

    Learn More
  • Colour Fashion Mixed Sunflower Seeds
    Small colour fashion sunflowers

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Onions

    Planting Information: Sun, direct sow 6-12mm deep and 7.5-10cm apart, late May.

    Learn More
  • French Petite Marigold (Miniature Type)
    close up of marigolds

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Pest control for many vegetables

    Planting Information: Full sun, direct sow 6mm deep, mid-to-late May.

    Learn More
  • Tall Climbing Mixed Nasturtium
    Climbing nasturtium

    Category: Flower

    Perennial or Annual? Annual

    Heirloom? No

    Pollinator? Yes

    Companion Plant With: Pest control for many vegetables

    Planting Information: Full sun to partial shade, direct sow 2.5cm deep and 5cm apart, late May.

    Learn More

Naturespace Garden Boxes

Our Naturespace garden boxes feature a mix of pollinators, native plants and even vegetables. These boxes help to enhance and sustain the environment around the Eastside Branch while providing opportunities for learning and engaging with the natural environment. The boxes are designed with an accessible side to allow for everyone to participate in the gardening process.

The new garden boxes were co-designed by our Teen Events Team, who will be volunteering their time to nurture the plantings. The garden boxes will be used for programs and will be planted by library staff and community members alike.

As an added bonus, the pollinator plants in the garden boxes will provide a source of pollen for our beehive.

The Naturespace at the Eastside Branch with raised flower boxes, a water table for kids, tables and shade structures.
Green lettuce growing on a vertical hydroponic tower system

Grow Towers

Grow towers are vertical hydroponic gardens where food is cultivated in a soilless environment, receiving essential nutrients through a continuous water flow. The Eastside Branch has two grow towers that will operate and produce food year-round. Customers will be able to pick food as plants become ready for harvesting (please follow onsite signage or ask staff for assistance).

The grow towers will act to foster ongoing discussions about food insecurity in Canada as well as highlighting technology for food production in challenging environments like Canada’s far North. The sunlamp-equipped lights will support year-round plant growth, adding vibrancy to library spaces.

Grow Towers FAQs

  • How do the grow towers work?

    The plants grow without soil; their roots are held in rock wool. They get watered automatically for five minutes every 45 minutes, all day and night. The lights are on a 14 hour schedule. Every three weeks, we refill and check the water, nutrients, and pH levels.

  • What do you grow in the grow towers?

    We will grow a variety of plants on a rotational basis. Once plants are harvested we will plant new seeds to grow. Signage will accompany the grow towers to let customers know what is currently growing.

    Some of the plants we grow will come from seeds in our Seed Library.

  • What will happen with the plants when they are ready to be picked?

    Anyone visiting the Eastside Branch will be able to pick the plants and take them home. We ask that you please only pick plants or leaves on plants that are ready for harvesting. Directional signage will let customers know when plants are ready for harvesting or you can ask staff for assistance. Excess food will be donated.

  • Will the grow towers operate all year long?

    Yes! The grow towers will be available year-round, with major maintenance occurring twice a year in September and March. During that time, the grow towers will be removed for a deep clean before being returned.

Interested in learning more about our teaching beehive?

That’s right! We’ve got a functioning beehive at our Eastside Branch. Learn more about our hive and accompanying programs and events.