Gardening and Sustainability Events
In this hands-on workshop, Linsey, native plants program curator or Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center learn how to stratify and winter sow native seeds.
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Acknowledgment: Con Edison
This program is made possible through generous support from Con Edison.
Free and open to public
It is assumed that all events are free and open to the general public. If admittance will be restricted in any way, that must be indicated on the application. The Library reserves the right to have staff and/or Board members in attendance even if the program is otherwise closed to the general public.
Con Edison representatives will be available 9-1:30pm to support with any billing inquiries and to help customers apply for energy affordability programs. Please bring your bill, account number, and a valid ID.
Con Edison Customer Assistance Day (all appointments full)
All appointments for this session are full!
Our raised beds may be buried under the snow, lots of snow, but the soil and beneficial bugs are sleeping and waiting for us to sow some seeds. Join us at Crestwood to do just that, plant some early seedlings to get a jump start for May.
Explore the diverse and captivating world of wild mushrooms!
More Information
Acknowledgment: Con Edison
This program is made possible through generous support from Con Edison.
Free and open to public
It is assumed that all events are free and open to the general public. If admittance will be restricted in any way, that must be indicated on the application. The Library reserves the right to have staff and/or Board members in attendance even if the program is otherwise closed to the general public.
No outside food & drink
No outside food or drink is permitted in the Library.
Share your food memories!
Help us tell the story of Yonkers through gardening, feasting, cooking and celebrating. We’ll add them to YPL’s digital archives!
- Use this form to upload pictures or share scans of your treasured recipes.
- If you’d prefer to share on paper, grab a paper form at a library branch.
- We can also help you digitally scan images or recipes; just visit us at any reference desk.
- You can also email your memories, photos, and recipes to history@ypl.org.
Seed Library 2026. Now Open at YPL!
The Seeds of 2026 are here!
Dust off your garden gloves—Seed Library Season has officially arrived at Yonkers Public Library. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or planting for the very first time, we have everything you need to grow your garden from the ground up.
Seeds are free for all YPL patrons. We simply ask that you take only what you plan to plant so there’s enough for the whole community.
Start Now: Cold Stratification Seeds
Some of our favorite blooms need a little “winter chill” before they’re ready to grow. This process—called cold stratification—mimics nature’s winter cycle and helps improve germination.
Stop by your local branch to pick up: Bachelor’s Button | Poppies | True Lavender | Purple Coneflower (Echinacea) | Calendula | Chamomile German Herb | Cayenne Large Red Hot Pepper | Jalapeño Hot Pepper | California Wonder Pepper
These hardy favorites are perfect for winter sowing and early spring success.
We also have early harvest crops available, including: Onion White Portugal | American Flag Heirloom Leek | Pea Dwarf Grey Sugar
Let’s make planting even more fun! Use our Seeds Across America Map to tell us where you’re from, what are you planting and share your gardening story!
Acknowledgments
The YPL Seed Library is made possible through generous support from Con Edison.
About the YPL Seed Library
During growing season you can find seed catalogs on the main floor at Crestwood, the Fine Arts section at the Will Library, and the third floor at Riverfront!
- Borrow: Collect up to four (4) seed packets of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
- Grow: Take photos of your sprouting seeds and tag us with #yplseedlibrary.
- Share: SHARE photos of your sprouting seeds and/or recipe of your harvested crops on social media. Tag us in any photos you upload and use the hashtag #yplseedlibrary or email to seedlibrary@ypl.org.
Supported with generous donations from Con Edison. Additional seed packets were provided by The Chas C. Hart Seed Company.
Coming Soon: Summer Staples
In just a few weeks, we’ll be stocking our drawers at Riverfront, Grinton I. Will, and Crestwood with warm-weather favorites:
Tomatoes (Heirloom and Cherry varieties), Peppers (Sweet and Spicy), Eggplants and Tomatillos.
Stay tuned—and get ready for a delicious summer harvest.
History of YPL Seed Library
2021: YPL begins a campaign to improve its grounds with assistance from the Westchester County Board of Legislators. YPL replaces invasive plants and poison ivy at the Will Library with a native pollinator garden.
2022: Will Library and Crestwood Library debuts new accessible, raised bed gardens.
2022: Seed Library established with assistance from Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library (FYPL).
2023-2024: Con Edison generously sponsored Seed Library for the first time.
2024: Con Edison expands its giving to YPL, allowing the Seed Library to grow even further. We distributed over 10,000 packets of organic.
