After what has felt like a very slow transition into spring, our growers are more than ready to get their gardens started. A few warm “teaser” days have everyone eager to get their hands back in the soil. In late February, we gathered to collect applications and review the guidelines for this year’s Garden Program, and the excitement for the growing season was clear. After the flooding challenges of recent years, our gardeners are stepping into this season with renewed hope.

Seeds are now organized and ready for distribution, and we already have a few plants sprouting in our hydroponic gardens here at the Mission. It’s always encouraging to see those first signs of life pushing through.

One of our dedicated growers has even created a covered space to serve as a greenhouse and has begun starting plants for her garden. Several of our participants are also caring for beehives and hatching chicks, adding even more life and productivity to their homesteads.

Spring has a beautiful way of renewing not only the earth, but our sense of hope as well. We are excited to see what this growing season will bring for our gardeners and the families they help feed.