Want to get involved in gardening, but have very little time and space for planting? Herbs like mint, lemon balm, basil, thyme, and vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce, can all thrive in large flower pots on your porch, patio, or steps. Grape vines will climb your deck railing in a sunny corner. Figs are small, beautiful trees and grow well in our climate. Visit a local nursery or one of the farmer’s markets to find plants and ask for advice. 

There are also many other options for dipping your hands in the dirt. Our very own Greystone garden is an easy way to try your hand at growing food while serving our neighbors. The food grown in our church garden is donated to North Raleigh Ministries food pantry. We have broccoli and lettuce growing now. Cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, and okra will soon follow. Extra hands are always welcome! The Greystone garden provides a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to work together on a local mission project. Contact Karen Brewer (kybrewer2017@gmail.com) to find out how you can help.  

Explore where your food comes from by volunteering at a local farm or urban community garden. It is a great way to contribute to the local food movement and do something active and rewarding. Check out North Carolina Community Garden Partners to find local gardens across the state. (//www.nccgp.org/)

If you can’t have a garden to grow your own, let the fresh food from a local garden come to you! The Wake County CSA (community supported agriculture) has organized with three farmers of color and eight area churches to support local black farmers. The Farm and Faith Partnerships Project, will run for eight weeks, with farmers beginning to plant in mid-February and deliveries scheduled for April through May. If you would like to help or buy food, for more information go to https://communityucc.org/farm-to-congregation-csa/.

Don’t forget, we have a compost tumbler near the Greystone kitchen door. Bring your vegetable scraps and add them to the compost. This waste will provide nutrients to the plants in our garden and produce the healthy food we give to our neighbors. 

Welcome House is looking for gardeners to help maintain flower beds and, perhaps, start a vegetable garden. This is the perfect opportunity to serve our international community while getting your hands dirty for Jesus. Contact Carolyn McClendon (carolynnjmcc@aol.com) if you are interested in gardening at Welcome House! 

– Marcia Ostendorff