Rita Wedig and Diane Mason visited the Evansville Salvation Army Corps and Community Center youth group on October 1, 2020. They shared information about the benefits of a winter cover crop on the garden and to provide hands-on experience with site preparation and sowing seeds.
Approximately 25 young people participated. The afternoon started with a song about fruits and vegetables, plus Rita visited with the children about the importance of good nutrition.
The group moved to the garden with rakes in-hand to prepare the soil for the new seeds. A mixture of oat, pea, and radish seeds, donated by the Warrick County Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with Promoting Urban Soil Health in Towns (PUSH-IT), were spread using hand-held seed spreaders followed by another light raking to cover the seeds.
It was enjoyable for everyone to spend time outdoors preparing the soil, sowing the seeds, and anticipating the new plants. In the spring of 2021, SWIMGA volunteers will help the Salvation Army youth group plan its spring garden.