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

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

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

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon

Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix, 16 Quart

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

ORGANIC COCONUT COIR: Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a light, sustainable growing medium that holds the perfect amount of moisture for starting seeds. 100% biodegradable soil alternative. Environmentally friendly and a renewable alternative to peat moss. OMRI listed and certified organic. IDEAL GROWING MIX: Improve seed germination and root growth with this premium coconut fiber mix, which improves nutrients absorption! Great for flower, vegetable, herb, and more plant types. OMRI listed. Naturally disease and pathogen resistant, it will help you grow healthy live plants. EASY TO STORE & EXPAND: Each compact coconut coir brick expands into 8 quarts of seed starting mix, providing 16 quarts total. Just add water to expand! Dehydrated bricks save space until planting. Once expanded, coconut coir provides a quality growing medium for all types of plants—indoor plants, house plants, outdoor plants, and more! NATURALLY CONSERVES WATER: Renewable coco coir has excellent moisture retention and better air circulation than peat. This eco-friendly, premium seeds starting mix combines well with other potting soil and compost for container plants & raised beds. 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes, and gardening supplies are sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!

Buy at Amazon