(Richland PIO) – The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) has opened its Seed Sanctuary in time for the fall season. This means County residents can again obtain up to four free packets of vegetable, herb and wildflower seeds to grow at home.

Seeds are available at the County Administration Building (2020 Hampton St., Columbia), Richland Library Eastover (608 Main St., Eastover), or by mail via Google form: https://forms.gle/ik1ri52FptkURnZv6, while supplies last.

Pop-Up Seed Sanctuary events, held at community events throughout the fall, provide another opportunity to obtain seeds. To request a Pop-Up Seed Sanctuary appearance, event coordinators can email Chelsea Holliday, RSWCD’s administrative assistant of outreach and community engagement, at holliday.chelsea@richlandcountysc.gov. These appearances are limited, and requests are first-come, first-served.

RSWCD first launched the Seed Sanctuary in spring 2020 to encourage home gardening, food security and pollinator conservation. Earlier this year, during the program’s warm season, RSWCD distributed more than 10,585 seeds.

“We look forward to giving away more seeds and impacting more individuals during the cooler months,” Holliday said. For a list of available seed varieties and recommended planting dates, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/seedsanctuary.

Holliday credits the Seed Sanctuary’s success to community volunteers who package seeds for distribution to community growers. The program is made possible thanks to funding from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation and Friends of RSWCD.

Richland County supports RSWCD’s work with staff and other resources. To learn more about the programs of the RSWCD, including the Seed Sanctuary, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/rswcd.