THE MAGIC OF GARDENING
Grow More, Give More First, I want to tell you about a new program Extension is developing for home gardeners called “Grow More, Give More.” Then I have some tips about bitter cucumbers, squash and their relatives that will help you avoid this problem. The Grow More, Give More initiative is a program designed to encourage gardeners to share their bounty with those in need by growing a little extra to give away. A group of Alabama Extension horticulture agents and Extension Master Gardener volunteers are promoting community-based gardening in 2020. How It Will Work: Extension agents will develop and distribute teaching videos and kit plans for growing vegetables at home. For example, to grow tomatoes in a 5-gallon bucket, Extension will suggest supplies needed, where to place, when to plant and how to maintain it. The same will be true for other crops such as beans, 66
Cooperative Farming News
greens, cucumbers and peppers. Plans for large containers, raised beds and in-ground garden rows will also be addressed. Information will be delivered via a variety of platforms. Brief online tutorials via videos on the Alabama Extension website (see link address below). Resources and information are available on the Extension website (www.aces.edu). One-on-one assistance through the Master Gardener help line at 877-252-4769 and through your local county Extension office whose number you can find on the Extension website. Also, you will want to visit and “Like” the Alabama Smart Yards Facebook page at this web address: https://www. aces.edu/go/growmorefacebook. Plans are still being finalized on the Give More aspect of the program, but people who grow more than they can use are encouraged to share with neighbors or donate to a local food assistance effort.
