Janita Janes, of Salem, mulches a pathway at the Salem Community Sun Gardens on Monday, April 6. “The plots are big enough that it’s easy to stay apart,” Janes said. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Oregonians who want to get free seeds to start their gardens this year can sign up through the Grow This! Oregon Garden Challenge run through the Oregon State University extension office with donated seeds from Bi-Mart.
Supplies are limited and the challenge has closed to groups because so many schools, daycares and other groups have signed up, said Sally Bowman, extension family and Community Health Associate program leader.
But don’t despair. Even those who aren’t able to get the seeds can follow along through educational videos and Facebook live chats with master gardeners.
There are videos on what to grow in early spring, how to thin plants and succession planting, among other topics.
Bowman said there are 4,000 individuals and 400 groups signed up statewide so far.
People who get the seed envelopes will receive a warm weather vegetable, a cool weather vegetable, an herb or edible flower and flower seeds. There’s no contact when picking up the seeds.
“For me, it’s about how we can encourage people (to garden). There are lots of ways you can grow even if you don’t have access to land,” Bowman said.
-Saphara Harrell
