By Andi Anderson
Ohioans, get ready to dig in and grow your own produce! The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Ohio State University Extension are teaming up once again to encourage home gardening through the Ohio Victory Gardens program, now in its fifth year. This year, the program is expanding to include 64 counties, offering free seed kits and resources to aspiring gardeners.
Due to high demand, the Victory Gardens program has broadened its reach to benefit more Ohioans. OSU Extension offices across the state will distribute free seed sample kits to the public, containing carrot, cucumber, lettuce, and sunflower seeds. Detailed information about distribution locations, dates, and times can be found on the Ohio Victory Gardens website, along with valuable planting resources.
"We want all Ohioans to experience the pride of growing their own food," expressed ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "Planting seeds, nurturing produce, and providing nutritious foods for your family is a rewarding experience that connects us to agriculture."
With each participating county receiving 300 seed kits, the program aims to engage up to 19,200 individuals in gardening activities. Dr. Cathann A. Kress, vice president of agricultural administration and dean of The Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), highlights the educational aspect of the program, emphasizing its role in promoting agricultural awareness and appreciation.
OSU Extension, known for its community-based outreach programs, plays a vital role in facilitating the Ohio Victory Gardens initiative. Extension professionals and over 3,200 Master Gardener Volunteers provide guidance and support to participants, promoting local food production and sustainable gardening practices.
Participants in the Victory Gardens program will have the chance to win a free starter gardening toolkit by completing a short online survey. The program, funded through a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, aims to revitalize the concept of Victory Gardens, which originated during World War I as a response to food shortages.
Join the Ohio Victory Gardens movement today! Explore the program's website for seed distribution details, gardening advice, and resources to help you plant, nurture, and harvest your own produce. Let's cultivate community, promote self-sufficiency, and enjoy the fruits of our labor together.
Photo Credit: Ohio Department of Agriculture
Categories: Ohio, Crops