If you’re like me, you have big plans for your garden this season. You may be adding a few different varieties of tomato plants or maybe you’re trying succession planting for the first time. Whatever you have in mind, you may find that your cup runneth over with vegetables or fruit. And if it doesn’t, would you consider encouraging it to do so?

Let me throw a statistic out there:

“33 million people including 13 million children live in households that experience hunger or the risk of hunger. This represents 1 in 10 households in the United States.”*  And this was in 2007.

As you plant your vegetable garden this spring, it would help so many other people if you could grow just a few extra plants. We’re all in different financial situations. But if you’re one of the lucky ones who’ll be able to plant a garden, there are many families that could use the fresh produce that overwhelms your garden this year.

The Garden Writer’s Association Foundation has a campaign called “Plant a Row For the Hungry” which is such a terrific project that I’m hoping you’ll wander on over there and take a peek. I think you’ll be as impressed as I am with the program. It’s such an easy thing to do – really no extra work to speak of other than getting your fresh vegetables or fruit to the local food bank as it ripens.

When you participate in Plant a Row for the Hungry, it encourages neighbors and friends to join in as well, which really makes a difference for people living in your community. Get your kids involved with Plant a Row this season and make sharing your good fortune a life-long practice.

For more information go to Plant a Row for the Hungry.

*Household Food Security in the United States, 2007 (USDA)

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Corona® Multi-Purpose Metal Mini Garden Shovel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Longer Service Life: The blade of this round small shovel is made of carbon steel, which can effectively improve the hardness by high temperature quenching, and the surface has anti-rust coating to avoid rusting. In the process of use when encountering hard objects will not bend and deformation. Sturdy Structure: The small garden shovel with D-handle, ergonomically designed grip can increase the grip of the hand when using, the handle is made of strong fiberglass, will not bend and break under heavy pressure. Quick Digging: Well-made digging shovel has a sharp blade, and the round shovel head is designed to easily penetrate the soil and cut quickly while digging to enhance your work efficiency.

Buy at Amazon

Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers. Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.

Buy at Amazon

Corona High Performance Orchard Loppers

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Unique design greatly reduces the cutting force. Modest tool weight is maintained due to the high strength elliptical aluminum handles. Cutting blade is fully heat treated forged steel and is easy to sharpen. Hooked design features a deep sap groove which keeps the blade contact area clear. Large diameter bumpers help to reduce elbow fatigue.

Buy at Amazon