A Rule of (Green) Thumb — pun courtesy of the Master Gardeners of Mercer County, New Jersey — is do not plant annuals until after Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is Sunday, preceded on Saturday by the annual plant sale hosted by the Central Missouri Master Gardeners, area peers of the Garden State group.
Gardening is much more than a rite of spring. Providing teaching tips, offering garden plots and distributing fresh produce in the community are among activities sponsored by local groups and volunteers. Among them:
• Community volunteers work with Lincoln University students and employees at LU’s Community Gardens to learn how to grow vegetables, flowers and fruit trees to help communities become more self-sufficient.
• Fresh produce may be purchased at both the Cole County and Lincoln University farmers markets.
• Community garden plots in north Jefferson City may be rented from the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.
• Growing organic produce at a garden on Big Horn Drive and delivering it to community organizations is the mission of the Nutrition, Energy, Environment and Economic Development (NEEED) program, chaired by Jack Ryan, a former division director for the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
• Training, scholarships and volunteer work are among the components of the Central Missouri Master Gardeners program within Cole County’s University of Missouri Extension Center.
According to the website, “Master Gardeners complete 30 hours of volunteer work following their initial training, working on core and approved projects in the community.†The core projects are the extension center grounds the group’s demonstration gardens and greenhouse.
A number of area agencies and organizations also benefit from the Master Gardeners’ skills. Approved projects include Habitat for Humanity, Missouri River Regional Library, Cole County Residential Services Inc. at High Street or Newsam Garden, and Rape and Abuse Crisis Service.
The group may be most well-known in the community as a result of its annual plant sale, from 7 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Jaycees Cole County Fairgrounds. An estimated 3,600 tomato plants will be available, as well as other plants, flowers and herbs.
We commend all Mid-Missouri gardeners who share their knowledge and skills to help by beautifying area properties, planting wholesome produce and feeding needy residents by distributing food through area agencies. Your efforts help our community grow and prosper.