Last year I was so inspired by all of the gardens I saw sprouting up all over the countryside. Huge gardens everywhere! People had gardens in neighborhoods of all types. Families started replacing shrubbery with tomato plants, signs for “homegrown” or “organic” vegetables started popping up on the sides of roads everywhere. And yet I was surprised to see so few community centers lacking in available gardens for the Community.
Here we have churches, schools, senior centers, half-way houses, small-businesses, and so on – all resting on large pieces of unused land. Just. Growing. Grass. And yet not far down the road there is someone that is hungry. Or someone who does not understand the concept of healthy eating. Or someone who doesn’t have the space or experience to garden. Aren’t community centers supposed to assist the community in times of need?
So again this year, I am heading up Unearth A Garden over at my personal blog. It’s a simple concept, really, and the more of us involved the bigger the impact we can make on our communities. Pick something from the list below that is feasible. It doesn’t have to be expensive or overly time-consuming, but the more involved you are the bigger impact you will make on your community!
1. Donate extras: Donate a corner of your edible garden to charity. Give to a local food bank, shelter or orphanage, senior center, or a neighbor in need.
2. Educate: Take on some some help this summer from your neighbors. Teach someone how to grow a garden from preparation to harvest, and let them enjoy the rewards. Talk to homeschoolers, kids on summer break, and people who don’t have a garden. If people talk to you about your gardening habits, I’m betting they’re interested!
3. Share some of your yard. “Rent” out part of your yard to friends and neighbors so you can share your gardening experiences together and learn from each other. Apartment dwellers may especially be interested in borrowing some land for a summer to grow some fresh produce of their own!
4. Promote a garden through a community center that you’re involved with. Whether it’s your church, senior center, or library – what better way to celebrate community and give back than to share the harvest with those in need? A co-op would be an excellent source to allow people to work together and learn from each other, as well as feed each other.
5. Start a small garden of your own for the first time. Learn something new and taste what it’s like to have fresh food that you grew. Feel the satisfaction of doing it yourself instead of relying on the grocery store, even if it’s just a few potted herbs or a tomato plant.
6. Donate some heirlooms to someone who is short on cash. Heirlooms are not only successful plants, but seeds can be saved legally and stay true to seed.
This year I hope to take on a couple more students in exchange for free labor. Last year I donated my extra harvests to a local women’s shelter. This year I’ll be planting a plot for them. If I have more to spare I hope to leave some surprises on a few neighbors’ doorsteps!
What will you Unearth? Head over to Unearthing this Life to get a badge and sign up!
We have a greenhouse so are able to share plants with our neighbors. They have all helped us in some way,big or small, so nice to give back. A young couple moved in at the corner and started a small garden and they were so excited to get tomato plants…their girls really enjoyed working out there and eating the rewards. See they worked up a bigger area this year. We always plant extra so we can give to neighbors. Several couples in their 80′s have had to give up their gardens and they really enjoy fresh beans or potatoes. Many have said you ought to sell plants but it is so much fun to give it away!! DEE
DEE, I agree. I much rather give them away. We’ve had neighbors ask to purchase some of our starts and I refuse. Somehow those babies just show up on their doorstep the next morning!
I love that you’re taking care of those older couples, and those that may not be able to continue gardening. As one who battles with chronic pain, I look at every harvest as a blessing. Every time I can get through an entire day without pain is fantastic and better for me in the long run. Glad to see you sharing!
I had no idea how powerful the community of gardeners was when I first stumbled on them online, and then in real life. Taking the next step of actively seeking people to share with is a wonderful way to celebrate the new season.
100%, Xan. I always thought Mom was a Dork with a capital “D” for getting into gardening boards.
And here I am. =)
Guess the fruit doesn’t fall far from the Dork tree!
The kids’ elementary school just started a “seed to salad” garden that we hope to harvest before the end of the school year. Hopefully we’ll have several varieties of lettuce, radishes and baby carrots to pull up in June!
Jen – that’s thrilling! I adore the excitement especially little children experience when they realize just where food comes from and that they themselves were responsible for a meal. Even better is seeing how much they enjoy Mom & Dad’s appreciation of that work.
Keep it up! Be sure to stop by and let us know how things come along!
A friend of ours just bought his first house last fall. A 40 something single guy, he is also a gourmet cook and is going to grow his very first garden ever this year. I’ve already helped him pick the location and, if the weather cooperates, we will help him till up a garden space in his yard. I’ve started extra plants for him (and for a benefit plant sale) so it should be fun to see how he does. It’s exciting to see how excited he is to grow his own food beyond a window box of herbs.
Gardening is so much more fun with a friend! I can’t imagine the meals he’ll prepare with the spectacular food he’s growing. I’m sure some things even long-time gardeners haven’t heard of!
I definitely want photos (and recipes!!)
Dork??? Just ahead of my time.