SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — The University of Rhode Island plans to give away hundreds of thousands of seed packets throughout the Northeast.
URI’s cooperative extension and master gardener program have worked with Ocean State Job Lot for two decades to give away seeds to schools, youth groups, community gardens and residents.
In 2020, free seed packets will be available to organizations and residents in New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, URI said. Job Lot annually donates unsold seeds from the previous year.
Seeds are labeled for a certain year and can’t be sold the following year, but there’s nothing wrong with them, said Kate Venturini, of URI’s cooperative extension. Venturini said that if stored properly, seeds can last for many years and produce a yield.
Nonprofits can order up to 500 packets and individuals can request up to 150 packets. The cost of postage must be paid if the seeds are mailed. The deadline to order is Jan. 13.
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