Morgantown, W.Va.— Gardening in West Virginia is a long-standing rite of passage for many families. It has been bringing together parents, children and grandparents for centuries. And with more and more residents opting for farm to table options, it is becoming a unique way to bring communities together.
To celebrate this rite of passage, West Virginia University Extension’s 2018 garden calendar focuses on “Gardening Around the State.” The calendar features an abundance of information to help people plan for this year’s growing season, and both novice gardeners and seasoned experts will find useful information in to assist in their gardening efforts.
In addition to the tried and true planting tips, the garden calendar also showcases unique initiatives and collaborations for hands-on learning and community gardening around West Virginia.
“This year’s calendar not only focuses on the basics of gardening, but also highlights the wonderful partnerships WVU Extension is forming with local schools and other organizations to provide garden-based learning opportunities in our communities,” said Steven Bonanno, dean and director, WVU Extension. “Garden-based learning, through in-school gardens, is having a positive impact on student math and science test scores by teaching students how to grow their own food, including educating them about different soils, harvesting techniques, high tunnel growing and more.”
Students in several schools across the state are growing food which is then served in school cafeterias. Community gardening initiatives around the state bring neighbors together to not only grow their own food, but also prepare it and share it with others in the community who need it.
In West Virginia, there are several community gardens where food is grown and then donated to local food banks and other nonprofit organizations. Students in several schools across the state are growing food which is then served in the school cafeteria.
Readers also will find several tasty recipes in the calendar which were provided by WVU Extension’s Families and Health specialists.
Copies of the calendar are available, while supplies last, at your local WVU Extension office. Visit extension.wvu.edu/offices for more information.
To learn more about gardening and other Extension services, contact your local WVU Extension office or visit WVU Extension Service online at extension.wvu.edu, visit the WVU Extension Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.
Check WVU Today for the latest news from the University or follow @WVUToday on Twitter.
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