Help people in need by planting a Giving Garden this season

There is much hunger in the world. It can be frustrating to hear about hunger in far-off places because we feel powerless to feed the children we see on the television screen. Sometimes we send money to charitable organizations but we seldom feel the satisfaction of hands-on service.

During the Second World War, families across the country were encouraged to grow a Victory Garden during a time when goods were in short supply. Some folks still remember those days and, if you ask them, they will tell you about the memories they have of that patriotic effort. It was the first gardening experience for many young people. It felt satisfying and purposeful. It was a way to be proactive in taking care of themselves, friends and family in need.

Fast forward to today. Times are again hard. All around us there are people who are suffering because of the receding economy. With unemployment numbers rising, it's safe to say that the need for help in our communities will be greater than ever this year. Is it time to panic? No, it's time to go to work.

What would happen if every gardener in this country dedicated a portion of his or her vegetable garden as a "Giving Garden"? What if every gardener in the country made it his or her business to keep the local food bank, homeless shelter or out-of-work neighbor supplied with fresh vegetables and fruit?

As you plan and plant your garden this year, consider a Giving Garden. It won't cost but for the seeds, fertilizer and lots of good satisfying work. It's a way of getting right to the heart of the need without any middleman taking his cut (except for your little 4-year-old grandson who gobbles up strawberries on the way to the basket).

Here are a few tips for success as you get started:

* Involve the whole family. Give everyone his or her own spot or vegetable to tend. Doing service helps children to get outside of themselves and notice others' needs.

* Pick and deliver on the same day -- call the food bank or shelter to find out what day it distributes food. If possible, pick produce early that morning so it is fresh and wholesome and will keep for several days after it's distributed.

* Pick produce at the peak of quality -- pick zucchini when it is 8 inches or less, cucumbers when they are young and crisp, peas and corn while they are still sweet and tender, and green beans while they are crisp and before the seeds develop.

* Keep track of how many pounds of produce you pick and donate. Go for a family record; that shouldn't be hard the first year! Then you can work on breaking the record next year.

* Keep track of how many plants you planted of what. This will help you with your planning next year.

* Plant things that are universal favorites. Go light on the lima beans and heavy on the lettuce, tomatoes, green beans and corn.

* Use succession planting techniques to ensure a good supply over time.

* Grow some jack-o' lantern pumpkins, decorative gourds and lots of extra flowers. A simple bouquet of flowers and a pumpkin to carve for Halloween are sweet, embracing luxuries that can brighten up life.

If you decide to start a Giving Garden, would you keep in touch with the Master Gardeners and let us know about your experiences? Write to: Master Gardeners, Giving Garden, 104 N. First St., Suite 204, Yakima, WA. 98901, or gardener@co.yakima.wa.us.