BEMIDJI — Growing Our Future, a community program based in Bemidji that supplies free seasonal gardening kits to local youth, is now offering its spring 2026 round of gardening kits.
Registration to receive a kit is required by March 28.
The Growing Our Future program was
founded by Bemidji resident Bridget Westrum in 2021
and began by giving out free “starter garden” kits that included everything from detailed planting information to seeds and soil. All youth ages 18 and younger are eligible to receive a kit.
This year’s kits will include 10 varieties of seeds, a seed starting mix, a plastic (reusable) cell tray, a Biodegradable cell tray, a bottom tray (to catch water), a spray bottle, plant labels and a gardening gift of the child’s choosing, a release said.
They will be available for pickup from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, and 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 30, at Netzer’s Floral. Those interested in a kit can select the day that works best for them on this entry form:
forms.gle/jaGpTB4vii4bj9eJ6.
“This form is used to organize requests and contact information so that all kits are distributed equitably,” the release said. “Kits will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who don’t receive a kit immediately will be placed on a waiting list and notified as soon as their kit becomes available.”
Due to limited funding, kits are limited to one per child and families can sign up for up to five kits. Those who wish to register for more than five kits for a large family or daycare can reach out directly to Westrum before completing the form.
“We are fully donation-funded and volunteer-run and our kits are available while supplies last,” Westrum said in the release. “Please consider making a donation to our organization so we can keep these kits available to area youth.”
For more information on Growing Our Future, visit
growingourfuturemn.com
or the
Grow Your Own Future Facebook page,
follow
@growing.our.future
on Instagram or contact Westrum by emailing
growingourfuturemn@gmail.com.
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