The Patchogue-Medford Library will be launching its 2025 seed kit for the upcoming growing season by giving away 100 free seed kits to families in the community (one per family, while supplies last) on April 1.

The kits are designed to inspire fun and creativity in the garden, with everything you need to “grow” your own ice cream.

“We’re excited to continue our tradition of providing fun and educational seed kits for the community,” said Laura Accardi and Karen McCahey, of the library’s Special Projects Unit. “Each year, we create a new theme that encourages families to come together and experience the joy of gardening. This year’s ‘Grow Your Own Ice Cream’ kit features mint chocolate chip and strawberry ice cream and is especially fun because we’ve even included the ‘cream’ in the kit! Yes, you’ll have to get one to see how it works!” 

Since 2019, the Patchogue-Medford Library has been offering its Seed Lending Library, providing the community with the resources to grow their own plants and food. In addition to the Seed Lending Library, the library creates a themed seed kit every year to inspire a community/family gardening challenge. Past kits have included “Grow Your Own Pizza” (2019), “Grow Your Own Salsa” (2023), “Pickling Kit” (2024), and “Grow Your Own Spa” (2020).