SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — The University of Rhode Island is giving away 300,000 packets of seeds.

The university says its master gardener program has worked with Ocean State Job Lot for nearly two decades to give away flower, vegetable and herb seeds to local schools, youth groups and other nonprofits.

This year, 300,000 packets are available.

Job Lot annually donates unsold seeds from the previous year.

The gardener program says that if stored properly, seeds can last for many years. Organizers say planting a seed and watching it grow is an incredible learning experience.

For the first time, the program is covering the cost of mailing seeds to Rhode Island nonprofit groups that submit orders by Jan. 31.

The deadline for ordering seeds is Feb. 10.

Seeds can be ordered by contacting URI .