The Minnesota State Horticultural Society (MSHS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is donating raised-bed garden kits to community groups and schools supporting low-income families and children. MSHS’ Garden-in-a-Box program provides kits that include a 3’ x 4’ fabric raised-bed garden box, soil, and vegetable plants.
Groups will also receive educational materials: a booklet on small-space gardening, a class on small-space gardening for group coordinators and teachers, the book Beginner’s Illustrated Guide to Gardening, and access to expert gardeners throughout the growing season.
Groups and schools may receive up to 10 garden kits, which can either be planted at their location or distributed to the low-income families they serve. Interested groups can contact Vicky Vogels, MSHS Community Outreach Coordinator, by May 17 if they wish to participate in the program. (Only groups and schools that serve low-income communities may apply — donated garden kits are not available for individuals.)
The goal of the Garden-in-a-Box program is to teach people to grow their own fresh produce and experience the benefits of gardening: affordable and healthy food, exercise, outdoor activity, and community growth. The program is made possible by vendor support from CreekSide Soil, Wagner Greenhouses, and Easy Growin’.
Garden-in-a-Box is funded in part by General Mills, HeathPartners yumPower, Land O’Lakes, the Saint Paul Garden Club, and donations from individuals. Raised-bed garden boxes will also be available for purchase this summer through MSHS as a fundraiser for the program.
For more information, go to www.northerngardener.org or contact Vicky Vogels, Minnesota State Horticultural Society Community Outreach Coordinator at vickyv@northerngardener.org or call MSHS at 651 643-3601.
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