Grow & Give Starter Guide
Welcome to the Grow & Give Project! This guide will help you get started on your journey of growing and sharing fresh flowers, herbs, and vegetables with your community.
What to Grow?
Choose easy-to-grow, high-yield plants that thrive in your area and are great for sharing.
Best Flowers for Sharing
Zinnias – Long-lasting and colorful
Sunflowers – Cheerful and easy to grow
Marigolds – Great for pollinators and pest control
Cosmos – Blooms all season
Snapdragons – Adds height and variety to bouquets
Best Herbs for Sharing
Basil – Versatile and grows abundantly
Mint – Hardy and great for teas (Remember to plant in containers or a raised bed!)
Parsley – Easy to grow and widely used
Chives – Low maintenance and great for cooking
Lavender – Beautiful and fragrant
Best Vegetables for Sharing
Tomatoes – High-yield and always in demand
Zucchini – Prolific and easy to harvest
Cucumbers – Perfect for fresh eating or pickling
Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale) – Quick-growing and nutritious
Beans – Great for continual harvest throughout the season
Basic Gardening Tips
✔️ Start Small – Choose a manageable space and expand as you gain confidence.
✔️ Healthy Soil is Key – Use compost or organic fertilizers to nourish your plants.
✔️ Water Wisely – Water deeply in the morning to help roots grow strong.
✔️ Encourage Pollinators – Plant flowers nearby to attract bees and butterflies.
✔️ Harvest Regularly – Picking flowers and veggies often encourages more growth.
How to Share Your Harvest
Set Up a Sharing Stand
A small table, crate, or even a basket by your front yard works! Add a sign inviting neighbors to take what they need.
Donate to a Local Organization
Connect with community food pantries, shelters, or meal programs that accept fresh produce and flowers.
Invite Neighbors to Help
Encourage others to tend the garden with you—building relationships while growing food and flowers.