County’s Seed Sanctuary program blooming for spring
March 12, 2025
The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) is once again offering warm-season vegetable, herb and wildflower seeds to Richland County residents at no cost through its Seed Sanctuary program.
Seeds are available at the County Administration Building (2020 Hampton St., Columbia) and Richland Library Eastover (608 Main St., Eastover). Residents can also request seeds by mail via Google form: https://forms.gle/i7HoomQg4cyNuu6i7. Seeds are available first-come, first-served while supplies last.
Pop-Up Seed Sanctuary events, held throughout the community, give Richland County residents an in-person opportunity to obtain free seeds to grow at home. Shown at a Pop-Up Seed Sanctuary event are, from left: John McKenzie, program analyst for the County’s Conservation Division, and Quinton Epps, Conservation Division manager.
RSWCD staff will also distribute seeds at community events throughout Richland County. Event coordinators interested in scheduling a Pop-Up Seed Sanctuary appearance should email Chelsea Holliday, RSWCD’s administrative assistant of outreach and community engagement: [email protected].
Growing guides for available seed varieties are listed on the Seed Sanctuary website.
Launched in April 2020, the Seed Sanctuary program has distributed more than 38,000 seed packets. Gardeners of all skill levels have benefited from the program, which encourages pollinator conservation, food security and home gardening.
Richland County residents can obtain free packets of vegetable, herb and wildflower seeds through the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District’s Seed Sanctuary program.
“The Seed Sanctuary program empowers Richland County residents to become environmental stewards in their own backyards,” said Jessica Thompson, conservation education analyst for RSWCD. “By participating, you support our pollinator populations and help native plant species thrive, fostering sustainability and preserving biodiversity in South Carolina.”
The program is made possible by the generous donations of individuals and businesses through Friends of RSWCD, a dedicated community of partners.
Richland County supports RSWCD’s work with staff and other resources. To learn more about RSWCD’s programs, including the Seed Sanctuary, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/rswcd.
About Richland County
The County Government is dedicated to providing exceptional public services through effective planning, proactive leadership, and inclusive governance to ensure that all residents, visitors, and businesses have equitable opportunities and improved quality of life today and in the future.
