Big news! The Hamilton East Public Library's Seed Library is back and it's bigger than ever. Whether you have a green thumb or just starting, they're inviting everyone to dive in. Here's when the seed library will open at each location:

• March 4 at the Fishers Library. 5 Municipal Dr, Fishers, IN 46038

• March 5 at Noblesville Library. 1 Library Plaza, Noblesville, IN 46060

Here's the deal: if you're living in Hamilton County, you can grab up to 20 seed packets per library card. And guess what? It's all on the honor system. No need to check in, just grab and grow. Julia Welzen, the brain behind the community engagement at HEPL, is pumped to see what you all grow this year.

“Our hope is that with the HEPL Seed Library, our community will explore how wonderful gardening can be, no matter where they are in their gardening journey.”

Julia Welzen

There are over 145 seed varieties this year. They include non-GMO and open-pollinated options (sorry, no hybrids here). So there should be something for everyone. Plus they've labeled everything by difficulty. Here's a list of some of the new seeds on the block for 2024:

• Homemade Pickles cucumbers

• Red Malabar spinach

• Anaheim peppers

• Greek oregano

• Summer savory

• Long Island Cheese pumpkins

• Salsify

• Amana Orange tomatoes

• Ageratum (floss flower)

• Annual candytuft

• Ohio spiderwort

• Common ironweed

Returning champs like Moon & Stars watermelons are also available.

If you're intrigued, check out their Seed Library webpage for the full seed lineup and growing guides. Hamilton East Public Library is about connecting you with knowledge and helping you explore.

And if you're part of a school, community group, or nonprofit? HEPL's got you covered too. They're all about sprucing up Fishers and Noblesville and would love to partner up. Shoot them an email at seedlibrary@hepl.lib.in.us to get the ball rolling.