Coop Gardens : A Plot to Save the World

As we launch into 2021, I look forward to continuing my work as a volunteer with Coop Gardens (Cooperative Gardens Commission), which I joined in April of last year. The organization was formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of distributing free garden seeds to those most in need.

Who knew what this sudden and overwhelming global emergency would bring in the next months? 

You can learn more about Coop Gardens and download their brand new report here. 

Some of the ways I tried to support local organizations are below:

Me and Berto planting seedlings I grew, at the Day Workers Center in Mountain View, CA

Not everyone has the luxury of land in which to grow their own food garden, so I propagated seedlings to plant at the Day Workers Center. They provide such valuable services for day laborers, including meals twice daily. 

Seeds packaged and ready to deliver to La Mesa Verde, San Jose, CA

La Mesa Verde runs a wonderful and inspiring program that installs  raised beds for vegetable gardens in the homes of people in need, and provide training for new gardeners- find them on YouTube and see their videos in Spanish and English here.

                                                                        Photos: Patricia Larenas, Urban Artichoke

A Victory Garden for Today - Growing Edibles Under Lockdown

We' re all in this together: the global pandemic that is COVID19 has arrived. But there's something we can do to help ourselves, our families, and our neighbors:
Grow edibles- it's a perfect time to kick start your growing project, if you haven't already. Containers work great if you don't have space or access to a garden. And make sure you plant enough to share with those who can't have a garden, if possible. 

Young children naturally love digging and planting seeds

Healthy for Body and Mind
I'm starting my veggie garden with renewed enthusiasm not only as a bit of extra insurance in case our food supply chains are interrupted, but for my mental and emotional health as well. Kids will especially need activities to engage them during this time. Even very young ones can keep entertained by filling containers to start seeds, planting seedlings, and helping to harvest the bounty. Watering is another task very much prized by kids, in fact it's my grandson's favorite!

When my grandson was only two and a half years old, he was very good at shelling dried peas from the dried vines- and to my amazement he worked at this quietly for quite some time. I like to think I'm grooming him to be a good steward to the planet, and fostering his connection to the living world around him.

By gardening you can feel good about doing something positive for the planet- the more plants we cultivate the better, although there's a right and a wrong way. Organic, regenerative gardens without pesticides and herbicides benefit everyone (and every being). My garden has native plants as well as edibles. I'm aiming for a healthy ecosystem as much as possible, because this means I don't need to use harmful chemicals. To this end I include habitat for wildlife as a priority. Think tall hedges for nesting birds and flowering shrubs for pollinators. See my post "Creating a Health Garden Ecosystem".

Shelling peas at two and half years old

Resources for Getting Started
You Tube has lots of content about growing vegetable gardens, and for lots of short helpful videos check out Peaceful Valley's Grow Organic website. They're a great source for supplies for organic gardening (based in California).

On this blog, have a look at my Gardening Index and Recipe Index, also check out the links I've listed on the right sidebar. 

And if you have a particular question you need help with, let me know in the comments.

Let's get our hands in some soil and get back to our roots!
Here's hoping you are healthy and happy in these challenging times.

                                                                      Photo credits: Patricia Larenas, Urban Artichoke