If you're a gardener you already know the benefits of growing your own fruits, vegetable and herbs. Many of us are blessed with abundant, healthy gardens this time of year. But, the realities of everyday life often prevent many Vermonters from growing a garden. One of the biggest deterrents is time. We often spend more time at work, than at home.
That's why the Vermont Department of Health, Vermont Community Garden Network, Gardener's Supply Company and I have teamed up to create the Green Thumbs at Work Gardening Grant Program. In its inaugural year, 43 companies and organizations applied for grants this past spring and 9 winners were awarded from around the state. Each winner received grant monies (which they matched), supplies and my technical advise to grow gardens at their workplace. The grants focused on small employers who normally wouldn't have the resources to start an employee garden. These include an engineering firm in Williston, a manufacturing firm in St. Johnsbury, a parent-child center in Chelsea, and a food shelf in Ludlow. Although not part of this program, even VPR has started an employee garden on their grounds in Colchester!
The gardens are thriving and the benefits go beyond producing fresh, healthy food for the lunch room or to take home. Gardens become places to build camaraderie, take a break from a busy day, reduce stress, and allow staff to connect on a different level. Some employers even use the gardens as a tool for team building and problem solving activities. To me employee gardening fits with the vision of creating gardening opportunities for everyone in every part of our state.
And now for this week's tip, if you're growing herbs, such as parsley and rosemary, now is a good time to dig them out of beds and pot them to bring indoors. Place the pots in a part shade location and keep them well watered. Before a killing frost, move the pots indoors to a sunny window to enjoy the herbs into winter.
Next week on the Vermont Garden Journal, I'll be talking about composting. Until then, I'll be seeing you in the garden.
Broadcast on Friday, September 19, 2014 at 5:57 p.m. and Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 9:35 a.m.
The Vermont Garden Journal with Charlie Nardozzi is made possible by Gardener's Supply, offering environmental solutions for gardens and landscapes. In Burlington, Williston and Gardeners.com.
Resources:
Green Thumbs at Work
