Sprouting Home launches Homegrown, a program designed to guide residents through the process of setting up a small home garden for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Sarah Jo Jones is the coordinator of Sprouting Hope’s homegrown program. As a former 4-H Extension Agent, she teaches horticulture.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols | Smyth County News & Messenger
It’s the time of year when so many people love to plant gardens and start digging in the dirt. However, some people may need a little help to get started. This help will be available and free of charge.
Sprouting Hope, a nonprofit in Smyth County, is launching its homegrown program for 2021. Homegrown, according to the agency, is “a year-long mentorship for families to learn how to grow their own garden at home so they can all be fresh, healthy Products can eat year round. “
Participants do not need any horticultural experience – just the space for a garden – at least 20 by 20 feet in a sunny location with access to clean water.
The free program offers seeds, plants, gloves, tools, tillage services and garden fences, as well as monthly virtual gardening workshops on topics such as composting, soil health and food conservation.
Sprouting Hope staff and volunteers will also be making garden visits twice a month to answer any questions.
To participate in Homegrown, individuals must be able and willing to water, weed, and care for the plants, track harvests and attend gardening workshops by October.
Jones is new to Sprouting Hope and Homegrown, but not horticultural or education.
Jones developed her passion for the art and science of growing plants as a child, participating in 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America).
