SPRING INTO ACTION!
GARDEN TIPS
How to’s for beginners:
  • TIP #1: Pick the right location! Plants love a sunny area and need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

  • TIP #2: Keep your garden close to home! This will make it easier for you to tend your garden regularly and have closer access to pick what you need for a meal!

  • TIP #3: Water needs to be readily available especially during a heat wave. Use a hose with a sprayer attachment or a drip irrigation system to prevent having to carry a larger water jug back and forth.

  • TIP #4: Good soil is key to a successful garden. Plants depend on the soil for nutrients, stability, and drainage. Be sure to start with soil that can be well drained and add organic matter as possible for additional nutrients.

  • TIP #5: Seeds or plants? Most plants such as lettuce, beans, carrots, or cucumber can be directly seeded where they are to grow. Plants that need a head start, such as tomatoes, peppers, and melons, may take longer to produce fruit. Start these indoors for 6 to 8 weeks before planting them outside.

KNOW HOW TO INTERPRET THE SEED PACKET
Tip: Be sure to read the seed packets before planting. Some seeds may need a head start indoors before moving outside.

Depth: General rule of thumb is to plant no deeper than a seed’s diameter. It is better to plant too shallowly than to plant too deeply. Seeds need air and moisture to germinate.

Space: Seed spacing refers to how closely you should plant your seeds. Spacing seeds reduces overcrowding.

Harvest: Harvesting applies to produce that you will be eating. Not all seed packets have this information. The number on the packet is subjective and gives you a general idea of when you can expect to get your vegetable or fruit.

Climate zones: Zone maps on seed packets were developed by the United States Department of Agriculture. This allowed farmers and gardeners to know which plants grow best in their area. The map listed on the seed packet shows when an indoor plant can be transplanted outside.
EASY VEGETABLES TO START YOUR GARDEN
  • Lettuce
  • Green beans
  • Radishes
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Peppers
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Chard/Spinach/Kale
  • Peas

Eating a variety of foods is recommended to help meet nutrient needs. Choosing nutrient rich foods can help build and achieve a healthier eating pattern. Research suggests that eating enough fruits and vegetables is linked to a lower risk of many chronic diseases.
EXERCISE TIPS
Exercises that you may not know you’re doing while gardening!
  • Weeding
  • Planting
  • Watering
  • Tilling

Stats: The CDC considers gardening a moderate-intensity level activity, and can help you to achieve that 2.5 hour goal each week. Additionally, people that choose gardening as their moderate-intensity exercise are more likely to exercise 40-50 minutes longer on average than those that choose activities like walking or biking.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Spring Vegetable Sauté

Bursting with delicious spring flavors, this delicious sauté is perfect with a side of roasted chicken, fish, or tofu.
 
Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients:
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion (sliced)
  • 1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
  • 3 new potatoes (tiny, quartered)
  • 3/4 cup carrot (sliced)
  • 3/4 cup asparagus pieces
  • 3/4 cup sugar snap peas, or green beans
  • 1/2 cup radishes (quartered)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dill (dried)

Directions:
  1. Heat the oil in a skillet. Cook the onion 2 minutes, add the garlic and cook another minute
  2. Stir in the potatoes and carrots. Cover, turn the heat to low, and cook until almost tender, about 4 minutes.
  3. If the vegetables start to brown, add a Tablespoon or 2 of water.
  4. Now add the asparagus, peas, radishes, salt, pepper, and dill. Cook, stirring often, until just tender - about 4 minutes more.
  5. Serve immediately.
TRY THESE APRIL AND MAY THEMED RECIPES!
April Fools
Try "Fantastic French Toast" for dinner!
Cinco de Mayo
Try "Hearty Mexican Soup" for Cinco de Mayo!
SNAP CORNER
SNAP provides monetary assistance to supplement the food budget for households that meet the financial and resource requirements.
Did you know you can use your EBT card to shop online at these approved retailers?
  • Aldi
  • Amazon
  • ShopRite
  • Publix
  • Walmart
  • Charlie C’s IGA
For SNAP Assistance please call 336-422-7758 or email fnsoutreach@secondharvest.org
HARVEST OF THE MONTH

Click the buttons below to access a handout with recipes, nutrition tips, and fun activities related to this month's harvest items! 
Second Harvest Food Bank's Nutrition Services is committed to improving the nutrition and health of low-income families in partnership with our agency programs and community groups.  
Thank you for Feeding Community with us!
We can't do what we do without YOU!