In recent years, global disruptions and rising grocery costs have motivated many families to seek more sustainable ways of living — starting with growing their own food. But gardening in Klamath County isn’t always easy. With high-altitude challenges and unpredictable weather, beginners often don’t know where to start.
Grow This Day expanded to two days in 2025, reaching 522 attendees and drawing in new community organizations.
To support local families and help them build confidence in their gardening skills, Oregon State University Extension in Klamath County launched Grow This Day. What began in 2020 as a drive-thru giveaway during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a major annual community event full of hands-on learning, fun and connection.
In 2023, the event moved to a larger venue — Mountain Valley Gardens — and introduced a “passport” system. Families explored nine themed activity stations, each with a different gardening topic: planting seeds, learning about bees and insects, exploring soil temperature and more. Kids collected stamps as they completed each station, ending the day with a prize and a deeper understanding of where food comes from.
The event was led by Extension education program assistant Caroline Nichols and brought together a wide range of collaborators, including 4-H and SNAP-Ed staff, Master Gardeners and community partners like the local farmers market and food bank. Volunteers played a key role — not just helping run stations but also designing them — giving new Master Gardener trainees the chance to share their creativity and passion with the public.
In 2024, Grow This Day drew a record-breaking 285 participants and sparked new relationships across the community. Families who attended have returned to Extension for more gardening information, and Mountain Valley Gardens staff now keep Extension fact sheets on hand and regularly call for gardening advice. Several staff members are also enrolled in the 2025 Master Gardener training.
Building on this success, Grow This Day expanded to two days in 2025, reaching 522 attendees and drawing in new community organizations. The Klamath-Lake Food Bank and Klamath Lake Community Action Services hosted activities, and local families were excited to return for a second day of learning and fun.
A highlight for many was the garden-themed scavenger hunt. Each rhyming clue guided families to a new part of the garden center, helping them discover different types of plants in a playful and memorable way.
As interest continues to grow, plans are already underway to make the 2026 Grow This Challenge Day even more engaging. With each new seed planted, Extension is helping local families build the skills, knowledge and confidence to grow healthy food — and stronger community connections — right in their own backyards.