Where to Get Seeds and Plants in Springfield

Free Resources to Get You Started

Gardens can get expensive — but Springfield has an incredible network of free resources that can help you get started without breaking the bank. Between the public library, the Master Gardeners, and local organizations, you can get seeds, plants, and expert advice at no cost.

Here's where to look.

Free Seeds: The Springfield-Greene County Library

This is the best-kept secret in Springfield gardening. The Springfield-Greene County Library runs a Heirloom Seed Library from February 1 through November 1 every year. With your library card, you can check out up to 4 packets of seeds — vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native plants — just like checking out a book.

The seeds are open-pollinated heirloom varieties, meaning they're well-suited to the Ozarks climate and you can save seeds from your harvest to return or replant. The library even provides envelopes and labels for returning seeds.

Seed libraries are available at:

Library Center
Library Station
Midtown Carnegie Branch Library
Mobile Library
Park Central Branch Library
Republic Branch Library
Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library

Browse available varieties in the library's online Seed Catalog. Questions? Contact Gina Marie at (417) 616-0508 or ginamariew@thelibrary.org.

Free Seeds: Master Gardeners at Nathanael Greene Park

The Master Gardeners of Greene County maintain a seed station at the Botanical Center in Nathanael Greene Park (2400 S. Scenic Ave.). You can stop by and grab a few seed packets for free — no appointment needed. They stock a rotating selection of vegetable, herb, and native plant seeds donated by the community.

While you're there, ask the Master Gardeners for advice on what grows well in hell strips. They're available Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm, March through October. Call (417) 874-2963 or email hotline@mggreene.org.

Native Plants and Seeds

If you're planting a pollinator or native plant garden, these sources specialize in plants that belong in the Ozarks:

Grow Native!

Grow Native is a statewide program of the Missouri Prairie Foundation that promotes native plants. Their website has planting guides, supplier directories, and design ideas. They can point you to nurseries that sell Missouri-native plants.

Missouri Department of Conservation

MDC offers a Native Plants for Your Landscape guide with species recommendations, growing tips, and free native seed packets at some conservation events. Check their events calendar for seed giveaways near Springfield.

Prairie Moon Nursery

Prairie Moon Nursery is one of the best sources for native seeds and plants in the Midwest. They specialize in straight-species natives (not cultivars), which provide the highest wildlife value. Their seeds are neonicotinoid-free and safe for pollinators. If you're planting a pollinator or native plant hell strip garden, this is where to shop — they carry butterfly milkweed, purple coneflower, blazing star, little bluestem, and hundreds of other Ozarks-friendly species.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Baker Creek Seeds is based right here in the Ozarks (Mansfield, MO — about an hour east of Springfield). They're one of the largest heirloom seed companies in the country. Their catalog includes hundreds of vegetable, herb, and flower varieties, and they host a free spring festival with seed swaps.

Community Resources

Springfield Community Gardens

Springfield Community Gardens maintains plots across the city and is a great place to connect with experienced gardeners who often share seeds, starts, and advice.

Watershed Committee of the Ozarks

The Watershed Committee runs Watershed Natives, a native plant nursery. They sell locally-grown native plants and often host workshops on native landscaping.

Share the Seed

Share the Seed is a local seed-sharing community. They organize seed swaps and educational events around Springfield.

Tips for Hell Strip Gardens

Start with the library seeds — they're free, heirloom, and Ozarks-adapted
Ask before you buy — the Master Gardeners can tell you exactly what works in your specific conditions
Buy native when you can — straight species provide more wildlife value than cultivars
Time it right — most planting in Springfield happens after the last frost (mid-April) through early fall
Call 811 first — before any digging, even for seeds. It's the law and it's free.

One More Thing

If you're part of a hell strip project through Green the Strip, the Master Gardeners can help you create a full planting plan for free. Once your strip has 3 interested neighbors, use the app to request their help directly.