Whether you’re an avid home gardener or you’ve never attempted to grow even a pot of basil at home, this spring you might be feeling a new urge to grow some of your own food. Uncertainty and instability, which many of us are feeling due to COVID-19, can make the idea of greater self-sufficiency seem even more attractive than usual. Add to that the nervousness that many of us feel around finances, and the hiccups that have been reported in certain food supply chains, and the concept of a 21st-century “victory garden” suddenly seems not just fun and rewarding, but enormously helpful to our physical and mental well being. With garden centers and seed companies reporting spikes in sales this spring, it appears that people across the country are feeling the same way.
But, if gardening is new to you, the prospect of starting from scratch can be a bit daunting. There is a lot of information out there, but it’s not all geared toward beginners, and it’s not always all that helpful. It does take a bit of an investment to get even a modest-sized container garden going, and the prospect of making mistakes and possibly wasting not only your time but your money is disheartening. That’s why we are so excited to share the video tutorial series from Chester County Food Bank, which features clear instructions on how to plant at-home Pennsylvania garden basics, like spinach, peas and tomatoes.
For over a decade, CCFB has managed a number of abundant garden sites through its Raised Bed Garden Program; in 2018 alone, its garden partners donated over 30,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to food cupboards and agencies throughout Chester County! So, the CCFB garden team truly knows what they’re doing, and has a wealth of knowledge and advice when it comes to gardening at home. If you’d prefer something you can print out (versus a video), CCFB also put together a best-practices for container gardening tip sheet that is super-handy.
If your gardening ventures are fruitful (you can do it!), consider planting a row or donating bumper crops to Chester County Food Bank. Providing fresh, local produce to people in the community who are facing food insecurity is an integral part of the Food Bank’s mission; read more about donating your home harvest here.
This is the year to get your hands dirty! There are so many delicious fruits and veggies that thrive in PA’s growing zones. Don’t stop at tomatoes! Try squash, beets, kale — even scallions!
To learn more about Chester County Food Bank’s Raised Bed Garden program and Seed to Supper initiative, visit its website.
- Feature photo: BigStock
- Videos: Chester County Food Bank
