Veggie gardeners plant extra rows to fight hunger

Vegetable gardens are making a comeback in popularity - from the White House to perhaps your house. Along with this trend comes renewed interest in "Plant a Row for the Hungry," a national initiative of the Garden Writers Association that encourages gardeners to plant extra rows of vegetables to share with hungry families in their region.

Homegrown veggies save money. They also provide freshness, nutrition and taste that are hard to find with store-bought produce that's often shipped long distances. Backyard gardening's other perks are exercise, fresh air and with "Plant a Row," the opportunity to share.

Getting started: Almost everyone can successfully grow vegetables, even without Master Gardner knowledge or lots of land. Prerequisites are a willingness to get a little dirty, an understanding of best planting methods, a small plot or large containers, and a commitment to regular maintenance. Invite youngsters to help, and they'll also learn about food sources and the importance of helping neighbors in need.

When to plant: The rule of thumb is to hold off on spring planting until after the last frost, when nighttime temperatures generally stay above 55 degrees.

Location: Most vegetables require at least five hours of direct sun daily, so monitor the patterns of sun and shade before confirming your garden spot. Urban gardeners with limited land can tuck plants in sunny flower beds, miniature plots as part of the landscape, or containers situated on accessible rooftops (though the latter requires extra care to ensure proper watering and protection from summer's scorching sun).

Getting started: First, remove sod and weeds. Till the garden area to break up the soil, then amend it by working in manure, compost or dried peat moss. Plants will benefit from the added nutrients, improved drainage and lighter soil composition.

Dig furrows for seedlings as deep as their original containers, or plant seeds about twice their width (usually one-half to no more than 1 inch deep). Once plants begin to emerge, mulch first and then weed regularly so there's no competition for space, water, sunlight and nutrition. Weed early morning or after light rain when the ground is damp and roots are more easily removed.

Explore "green" methods to water your garden when nature does not, such as reusing water captured in rain barrels.

Ease your gardening chores by investing in a knee pad, a brimmed hat for sun protection and sturdy tools kept clean and sharp. Also, keep a journal of successes and failures for next year's reference.

As harvests roll in, donate your extra veggies to local food pantries as nutritious options for those needing food and grocery products.

Tom Brinda is assistant executive director for horticulture and education at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.