There has been a surge in interest in home gardening over the past two summers, mainly because people looked for distraction during our time at home. Seed sales went through the roof, and gardens grew in backyards and balconies. Young and old have taken up the hobby that keeps us healthy, brings food to the table and gives us a bit of fresh air.
I was overjoyed to see this trend. But when this newfound fad hit me where I least expected it, I’m no longer sure if that’s a good thing at all.
Carol O’Meara cooperative extension of the CSU
It started with a text my niece asked me if she should order seeds and start her own tomato plants. I was thrilled to be asked and spat advice on every question that was asked between ordering and planting your seedlings. We bought lamps and pots together, and while her plants grew and bore fruit, I maintained encouragement while she looked after her health like a mother hen. Now I get photos of their daily harvests that make me green with envy.
My grandson got into fashion, planted seedlings we started together and cared for them like a pro. He likes order and routine, which is why he has subjected his plants to a strict plan of trellising, fertilizing and watering. Whenever my answers to his questions are a little random, he pauses to give me an annoyed look and I know I have to pull myself together. It’s like gardening with Mr. Spock.
Now they’re both awash with the abundance of cherry tomatoes, large beef steaks, and juicy green peppers. This is the first time basil has reached the size of a tumbleweed. I should be proud and I am.
But with their success, the list of recipients of my extra crop shrank by two households. Instead of a reliable “Yes, please” to fresh products, I hear a disappointingly happy “No thanks – we’ve had enough!” Maybe I made a mistake when I gave the advice.
The list of recipients of a gardener’s products is jealously guarded and groomed for the whims of a garden’s bounty. Thank goodness these hits didn’t grow zucchini, otherwise there would be an intergenerational incident. Friends and neighbors are now also working in the garden and sending me photos of their harvest.
Substitute beneficiaries don’t queue to take their seats, so it’s good to know where to donate all of the products. Chalkboards and pantries are an important resource for those who need access to fresh food to find, and gardeners can donate excess produce to meet demand.
To find a location near you, visit the new Grow & Give website (growandgivecolorado.org) which has a map of the pantries and details on how and when donations are accepted. For those who want to learn more about growing food, there are also short how-to videos, longer webinars or fact sheets on growing fruits and vegetables in your garden.
Sign the promise to donate a portion of your harvest and join a community of concerned gardeners who want to make a difference. You can help. Donate this extra to pantries, to your neighbors in need, or to friends whose incomes have dropped. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a dozen carrots or a hundred tomatoes. If you grow please give up.
