This column, featuring Omaha Public Library's gardening resources, appeared in the Sep. 14, 2025, edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE). It is also available at Omaha.com, opens a new window (opens in a new tab).
Make the Most of Your Garden with OPL Resources
As the weather cools, you may still be gathering harvest from your garden, sunsetting other plants, as well as planning for next year. Don’t forget to peruse Omaha Public Library (OPL) resources to help you plant, harvest, preserve and learn more this season.
Start with Seeds
Peruse OPL’s Common Soil Seed Library to start planning for next year, grow something indoors — like fresh herbs — or even still direct sow some frost-hardy greens like arugula and spinach. Cardholders can check out up to 15 packets of vegetable, herb, or flower seeds each month, and they’re yours to keep! You can learn about seed saving via library resources and later donate seeds back to the library, but it isn’t required.
As of August, more than 110,000 seed packets have been checked out by OPL patrons in 2025, an all-time record for OPL! The record-setting demand shows just how much the community values having free, easy access to seeds through the library.
From Garden to Table
At this time of year, many people are more concerned with using or preserving the produce they’re harvesting. Once you’ve harvested your produce, the library can help you make the most of it. OPL has thousands of cookbooks available for checkout, as well as books on food preservation, and canning. If you prefer digital options, your library card unlocks access to cooking and gardening magazines through online resources like OverDrive Magazines and Flipster. You can also stream documentaries, series, and how-to content through Kanopy.
Composting Made Simple
For those ready to take the next step, OPL is partnering with UNL Extension Master Gardeners to host composting workshops through early October. These adult workshops cover methods of composting, what to include (and avoid), and how to maintain a healthy system—whether you have a backyard or just a small space. The workshops require registration, and sessions are already filling quickly, so be sure to sign up soon.
For more details on the seed library, cookbooks, digital resources, and upcoming programs, visit omahalibrary.org.
About Omaha Public Library
Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services, acting as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector. Learn about OPL's collections, facilities, services, programs and more at omahalibrary.org.
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