On December 30, 2012, just as I have done every year for 25 years, I shared my personal goals for the coming year. This year, I added an extra one for good measure:
“By the end of the year, I will have grown, harvested and distributed (to people other than my immediate family), 100 lbs. of organically grown vegetables from my own backyard garden.”
The idea struck me last year, after reading Gina’s, Grow Food, Not Lawns, on her website P.E.A.C.E. Then, as I was packing up some extra fruits and vegetables- a surplus from my backyard garden (featured picture, above)- to bring to my co-workers; a morning ritual I had been doing for weeks. It occurred to me that there must be a local need for the surplus. Granted, my co-workers always express great appreciation for my organically grown goodies. But, for them it has always been a “nice-to-have.” I decided then to turn this into a modest philanthropy. I’m quite sure I’ll find a local outreach that will gladly take modest amounts of vegetables to feed folks in need.
And so today I planted the spring garden that I hope will produce at least 75 lbs, toward my goal. I’ll plant cool season crops again at the end of summer to seal the deal.
So, El Jardín de la Familia Douros is open for business: Grow it and give it away!
- Zucchini
- Crookneck Squash
- Cucumbers
- Walla Walla Onions
- Scallions
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Bell Peppers
- Anaheim Peppers
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Tomatoes (4 varieties)
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Basil
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Nasturtium
If you know of a local shelter, a church, an outreach program or even a family that might really need some fresh vegetables in about two months, please let me know!
And now, I get to do battle with earwigs, slugs and snails. Wish them luck!
Related articles
- Green Thumb 101 – How to Help Your Garden Survive Summer (redenvelope.com)
- Grow Your Own: What to Buy (lightlysweetenedblog.wordpress.com)
- 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Garden in 2013 (epicahome.com)
- Organic Gardening – Get Started Today (deardoctormom.wordpress.com)
Editor's note: Photo, courtesy C. Douros
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The title here says it all! Thank you for this excellent reminder for us all that of course we can grow more than we can possibly eat – every Food Bank will eagerly accept donations of freshly grown produce for sharing with the needy. Well done. Hugs, Gina
Well it’s almost July and I’ve only given away 10#!!! I better get givin’. Since this article, another friend of mine has joined in the same effort… it’s a movement!!
You have a very sweet spirit, Chuck. Blessings to you and your family.
Ronnie, I’m not wealthy ($) by any stretch of the imagination, but when I can give someone in need a little sumthin’ sumthin’ that is basically free to me, it just makes sense. It’s kinda like karma. Someone recently gave me something I needed (to read) for free, so now it’s my turn. 🙂
I love it, a true humanitarian. Nice job, Chuck.
Thanks Jim.
How generous!
Lunar, I’ve got the yard, the dirt, the time and the desire… Now all I need is the local connection to give it away.
I can’t give money, but this I can give.
I love the idea and action. I hope to join in the effort.
Gordon, thanks for the enthusiastic reply. It just seems like something that I need to do. I’ll update the blog as it develops.