Como Grow a Row Off to an Abundant Start

Como Park Neighbors Growing Good One Garden Row at a Time

Again this growing season, Como Park Lutheran Church, the Como Community Seed Library (CCSL), and the Como Park Neighborhood are teaming up to tackle food insecurity through the “Como Grow a Row” initiative. This community effort encourages local gardeners to donate part of their harvest to local organizations such as Every Meal and Keystone Community Services.

Communities Organize

Grow a Row programs have a rich history of fostering community spirit and supporting those in need. By growing and donating fresh produce, we can supply food shelves, free farm stands, and seed libraries with healthy, homegrown food.

How to Participate

1. Sign Up:

Join the Grow a Row community by signing up here.

2. Choose Your Seeds:

Decide which vegetables you’d like to grow and donate. Now is the perfect time to plant warm-season crops like squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and melons. Consider interplanting with root crops like radishes or carrots. Or start your cool season brassicas like broccoli for a fall harvest share. If you need seeds, visit the little free seed library locations in the neighborhood or check them out with the CCSL Form for pick-up in the neighborhood or by mail.

3. Track Your Progress and Tell Your Story:

Share your gardening journey with us! Email photos and details about your progress.

4. Follow Best Practices:

Check out the University of Minnesota Extension’s suggested best practices for safe vegetable handling in the garden.

5. Donate Your Harvest:

We can help arrange for pick-up or drop-off of your produce, minimizing our collective carbon footprint. Just let us know!

Success Stories

Roxy Consoer, a dedicated CCSL member, has already donated an impressive 40 lbs of rhubarb to the Keystone Community Services Food Shelf to kick off her giving efforts in 2024. Her commitment is a shining example of how we can make a significant impact on our community.

Join us in making this growing season a bountiful one for our neighbors. Every row, every plant, every pound of produce counts. Let’s grow together and share the harvest!

Get Involved

Ready to get started? Sign up here and become a part of the Como Grow a Row community. Together, we can ensure a long, successful growing season shared with our neighbors’ tables.

Delivering a harvest of garden fresh rhubarb

Keystone Community Services Food Shelf makes it easy to donate your harvest