Let’s garden and Grow an extra row

WITH RANDY BURNIGHT - Up From The Earth

Over the last couple of months, we’ve all understood better that what we always thought we could count on is not guaranteed in the future. Perhaps that’s why more people are considering gardening for the first time.

Master Gardener, Randy Burnight, founded Up From The Earth in 2014 and since then his team has encouraged gardeners to share their overflow in the community.

“I have to commend our community. This has been such an amazing community effort! Over the last 6 seasons, more than 130,000 pounds of produce has gone into our food pantry system!”

So how can we be successful with our gardens this year? Randy has some suggestions.

Get comfortable

“Some people love gardening and being outdoors. For me, pulling weeds after a rain is therapeutic. If you’re just starting out, start small so you don’t overwhelm yourself. When you have success you’ll be more encouraged to continue. Do what you’re comfortable with. If you are limited on space you can garden in a 5 gallon bucket. That’s fine for growing peppers, tomatoes, or cucumbers.”

What to plant

“If you like to eat it, plant it. If you want some instant gratification, plant some radishes. They’ll be ready in 24 to 30 days, and you can plant them early.”

What to sow

“Some things are better to plant as a starter plant instead of a seed because they take so long to mature. Get starter plants if you want tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, onion sets, or broccoli.”

Whatever you plant, make sure to grow an extra row, and share it with the community. Up From The Earth is a voluntary system for connecting home gardeners who plant, grow, and share produce to people in need. The program encourages home gardeners to “grow an extra row” and distribution of excess fruits and veggies to those in need through 28+ existing food pantries.

Find Up From The Earth on Facebook or go to their website for info and drop off sites. upfromtheearth.wixsite.com/siouxland

Make gardening a family project. Kids will have fun learning as they see results from their efforts. These kids show off the peas they helped grow.