Morrisville, NY – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County (CCE MC) is introducing a new program, targeted towards new and beginning garden growers. After seeing the success of a garden program in another county extension office, CCE MC has combed through the seed supply and come up with 40 bundles of garden seeds to give away in a new Planting with a Purpose program. In a nod to the ‘Victory Gardens’ in the past, the free program includes a ‘Virus Time Victory Garden’ bundle of seeds along with a series of workshops and check-ins throughout the growing season.
Each Virus Time Victory Garden Bundle contains 5-6 packets of assorted veggies, herbs and flowers placed in paper bags. Upon registering for the program (https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/PlantingWithPurpose_225) the prepared bundles will be mailed to program participants.
Since seeds are limited, program participants are encouraged to split seed packets with friends, family or neighbors, as well as sharing the plants and produce that is grown. A single packet of seeds is enough to grow dozens and dozens of plants, usually far more than a single family can use! If participants do decide to share seeds, we ask that all COVID-19 guidance be adhered to including rules of social distancing. Program participation is intended for Madison County residents. If additional bundles are available, they will be distributed to registrants in neighboring counties.
Preparation & Safety Concerns: The seed bundles themselves have been handled in ways designed to minimize spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The seed packets came from a source that has not been handled by the general public. All surfaces in the room where the bundles were packed were disinfected, and the person who handled the packets washed their hands thoroughly and used hand sanitizer frequently throughout the bundling process.
Enrollment in this program will be ongoing and will only end once we have depleted our stock of seeds. Enrollment details can also be found on the CCE MC website and Facebook page. Have further questions or seeds to donate? Please contact CCE MC Educator Tess Southern at tas264@cornell.edu or by calling (315)684-3001 ext. 101. We look forward to seeing your beautiful gardens as you Plant with Purpose this year!
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County
100 Eaton Street, P.O. Box 1209
Morrisville, NY 13408
Phone: 315-684-3001 ext. 101
“Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.”
