ODA, OSU Extension Team Up to Give Out Free Garden Seeds Through Ohio Victory Gardens Program

Ohio’s movement to promote urban and rural gardening is back and bigger than ever! The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Ohio State University Extension are partnering once again to encourage Ohioans to cultivate their own produce.

The popular Ohio Victory Gardens program is back for its fifth year, and due to high demand, the program is expanding to include 64 counties. OSU Extension offices will be handing out free seed sample kits to the public to get people planting. Specific days and times for each office — as well as planting resources and information — are available on the Ohio Victory Gardens website.

“We want all Ohioans to experience the pride of growing their own food,” said ODA director Brian Baldridge. “Planting those seeds, watching that produce grow, and being able to provide those nutritious foods for your family is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in agriculture. We encourage all folks to plant their own victory garden.”

This year’s program will benefit up to 19,200 Ohioans. Each of the participating counties will receive 300 sample seed kits that contain carrot, cucumber, lettuce, and sunflower seeds.

“Our partnership with ODA on the Ohio Victory Gardens program allows Ohioans to learn about agriculture and where their food comes from,” said Cathann A. Kress, vice president of agricultural administration and dean of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). “It provides a glimpse into the science and dedication involved by those who work in the food system every day to bring fresh produce into grocery stores, farmers markets, and restaurants.”

OSU Extension is the statewide, community-based outreach arm of CFAES, with programming that addresses agriculture and natural resources, community development, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development. Extension professionals throughout the state bring people and ideas together to help CFAES sustain life.

Click here to read more osu.edu

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera