Veteran Families Start their Gardens!

January 28th the weather was so lovely, we wanted to start planting rather than planning, but planning first is always better when it comes to gardens – as the rest of the week proved. The Growing Warriors held our first class last Monday. From beginning gardeners (Do you grow winter squash in the winter?) to families wanting to supplement their income (How can we can items to sell?), from the Navy to the Marines, we got to know each other and the expectations of the program.

While we reviewed how to make garden plans, companion planting, and using the garden as long into the year as possible, our children played in the room next to us. (Thanks Melinda and Doug for the supervision!) During the first meeting kiddos read, made dough sculptures, and zoomed vehicles. Next week, they are going to make paper pots and plant seeds to help their parents in starting their gardens!

Several of our families will be helping to build their own beds at the new Berea site next to the VA clinic off exit 77. Some of our families will be growing at the Rockcastle Community Garden site. We will be helping other families install gardens at their own homes.