Greenfield Public Library, along with other libraries in Western Massachusetts, will be participating in the “Common Seed Project” this spring. 

Inspired by Common Read projects, the Common Seed project involves a community of home gardeners all growing a common seed and learning seed saving practices. The inaugural seed is the Provider green bean, known for being easy to grow, either in garden beds, raised beds, or containers. Provider beans can be planted 1-2 weeks before the last frost of spring, generally the 3rd or 4th week of May in Western Massachusetts. 

Provider is a bush bean, which makes it easier to maintain than pole beans which need “training” to grow on poles or trellis for support. As its name implies, the Provider bean is a prolific plant. Provider beans mature quickly, and within 7 weeks you will have delicious green beans ready to harvest. 

To pick up a packet of seeds and growing instructions, stop by the Information Services desk, second floor of the library during the first week of May. We will have a limited supply of seed packets available, one packet per household. 

If you have any questions about the Common Seed Project or the Provider green bean, visit the project website: https://guides.library.umass.edu/commonseed, or email nancy.little@greenfield-ma.gov