Gardener Story: Lauren Banawa
Through this program, I’ve learned the importance of patience and the joy of nurturing life from seed to harvest. Gardening has taught me about the intricate balance of nature, the importance of soil health, and the role of different plants in an ecosystem. Additionally, I’ve gained hands-on experience with sustainable farming practices and learning how to manage pests organically. The sense of community among fellow gardeners has also been incredibly rewarding, as we share tips, successes, and the occasional challenges. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the bonding experience with my mother-in-law. We’ve spent many days together in the garden and in class, and then sharing meals together from the veggies that we’ve grown.
Gardener Story: Keisha and Jamie Scott
This program taught us the importance of intentionality. These days our gardening looks much different. Our days are filled with our youngest son picking tomatoes off the vine. Our middle son in the kitchen frying up okra or cutting up vegetables from the garden for his salad with his dad. Our oldest cramming cucumbers in jars so he can make pickles. We are so thankful for this program for not only teaching us how to grow more food but also for instilling a love of gardening in our kids and helping us find something to bring us all together. I think it’s safe to say more than just vegetables grew this season at our home.
Gardener Story: Sara Yeager
Growing up we never had a garden so I kinda felt like I was “winging it” because I didn’t really have any gardening knowledge. I had no idea about fertilizer, soil types, or pest control.
Now I proudly look out at our 400 square feet of garden space and everything is green and healthy looking. Our yard isn’t flat, so that space is broken up into an in ground garden area, 2 raised beds, and 3 more garden “patches” for lack of a better term. My kids helped my mom and I plant almost everything and they are so excited now that it’s time to pick it all.
Gardener Story: Karen Mumpower
Our family has started this adventure as an opportunity for our oldest to grow his interest in and knowledge about gardening. The greatest thing is that we can do this together and learn together. He has really done a great job with caring for the garden, even the hard parts. We love having healthy food available and learning to be more self-sustaining with our food sources. It’s great to know where your food has come from! We have also been able to share and trade items with neighbors and friends which has extended our access to our favorite garden goodies since our foods are ripening at different times.
Appalachian RC&D Council Joins Farmers Markets Across the Country in Celebrating National Farmers Market Week 2024
The Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development Council (ARCD) joins farmers markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 4-10, 2024.
Gardener Story: Liz K
Just as Frankenstein was put together with many different parts, so was my garden. It was an everchanging project that evolved from one row of plants to now 10 rows of a variety of companion plants, a small corn field with a perimeter of pole beans and two sets of mounds for melons and squashes. There is a staging area for my tools and supplies and the garden is surrounded by some naturally grown flowering plants like clover and chicory to attract the pollinators. I have used mainly things on my farm like used stakes, old wooden produce boxes, tobacco sticks and some used landscape fabric to set up my garden. I did have to invest a little money in brand new landscape fabric, soaker hoses and organic pesticides to make gardening a little easier. In all, I have been very fortunate to keep my overhead costs down thanks to BIU and my knack for recycling and reusing resources to create my Frankengarden.