This year I really discovered that whilst I love growing produce, what I love most is giving it away. Whether it's colleagues, new neighbours, children down the street or family and friends – they all appreciate it! So far we've given away over 25lb of tomatoes (with more to go), huge amounts of peppers, herbs, garlic and berries. We still have more than enough for us, so it's a fantastic feeling to be able to give away fresh, healthy, good tasting food.
by Nerevarelysium
14 Comments
Ditto
It’s a big part of why I love it as well. I love giving fresh food away for free for some strange reason.
The best place to store your abundance is in your neighbors’ stomachs!
Same here.
I’m think I’m at about 450-500(ish) pounds of tomatoes given away so far this year, based on the number of strawberry boxes I’ve gone through.
Tomatoes are my main deal, but basically the whole garden is geared towards giveaways; I try to give past business clients a “farm box” every year or two (and of course I give stuff to friends and neighbors as well).
Frankly I don’t even like to eat most of what I grow….I’m more of a potatoes/turnips/onions type of guy, and most of that sort of stuff isn’t really suited to my situation (lack of land, but also climate).
I guess I just enjoy growing things, but can’t stand the idea of growing “useless” plants when I could grow food instead (although I did cave in & grow some sunflowers this year for the family….I have to admit they’ve been kinda fun)
Same here! I am incredibly lucky to live on a large piece of land, on a private road with only three houses that’s all immediate family – my parents, my kids, my brothers, and my nieces and nephews. I started my garden this year with a quiet intent of growing for all of us. There is nothing like seeing the innocent excitement cross the face of a teenager when they find a ripe vegetable to pick and eat right away. Even more endearing are the plans I’ve been overhearing between them and their friends to make sure to hang out a lot during the fall so that they can come “raid” the garden for cukes, green beans, carrots, and celery 🥰
In Ontario there is a program called “Seed It” and the deal is that you agree to share whatever you grow with people in your community whether it’s friends and family, neighbours, etc and they give you a $50 gift certificate for food plants at your nursery.
[Seed It Voucher Program ](https://seedit.thecommonwell.ca/)
Over the years we have used it for standard garden veg but also berry bushes and now have a large collection of very productive berries – goosers, black currants, elderberry, blueberry and this year we added haskap.
I love growing more than we can use. I hate canning and don’t have freezer space for much. I haven’t had time this year to dehydrate veggies.
But that is okay because the local food pantry is always happy with my box of fresh food.
I grew zucchini, cucumbers (the Armenian ones did great this year), tomatoes, and peppers. My butternut and delicata are just coming in. I’ve had so many beans and recently planted more.
My adult kids are also happy when I visit bringing a bag or two to eat and share with their friends.
Sharing my garden makes me happy.
This is my goal. We have a lot of homeless people in my area and shelters can’t afford a lot of fresh vegetables. Individuals and community kitchens have been happy to get excess tomatoes.
Same thing here. We keep and eat what we can but alway have an abundance to share. . .
https://preview.redd.it/4ntlqdu4eskf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1628dbfc0fae0e99264358728af86e3c7d22b942
I freaking love this!
That’s been my biggest joy too.
We are all stronger together and I just love seeing people spread love in their community / neighbourhood / family. ❤️🥳 Keep up the great attitude, we need more people like you in the world.
Which reminds me, I need to make a veggie basket for the old walking man who always waves at everyone.
“You get veggies! You get veggies! Everybody gets veggies!” 😂🥳
Yes! It feels fantastic to share with otheres.
Our local food bank takes fresh home garden produce!
Another place you might be able to give is your local food bank
Sharing in one of my most favorite parts of gardening! I often will encourage and offer to help those I share with to start their own gardens. I have actually gotten a few to do it!