Rhode Island program shelling out 300,000 seed packets

The University of Rhode Island (URI) recently spilled the dirt: It's once again giving away thousands of packets of seeds to schools, youth groups and other non-profits.

The university's Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program has teamed up with the Ocean State Job Lot to continue their nearly 20-year tradition of donating vegetable, herb and flower seeds. This year, they are giving away 300,000 packets that went unsold last year.
  
“Seeds are labeled for a certain year and can’t be sold the following year, but there’s nothing wrong with them,” Vanessa Venturini, director of the gardener program, said. “If you’re careful about how you store them, seeds can last for many years.”
 
The program is making it easier for non-profits to get the seeds by covering mailing costs of any orders received with proof of non-profit status. Orders must be placed by January 31. All orders for pick up must be made by Feb. 10.

Schools, 4-H clubs, scout groups and other education-based groups often take advantage of the giveaway.

“Planting a seed and watching it grow is an incredible learning experience for kids,” Venturini said.