SDSU Extension awards seeds to educational gardens in 2015

BROOKINGS — Twenty-nine educational garden programs across South Dakota were awarded vegetable and flower seed packets from the SDSU Extension Seed Bank this spring.

Seeds were donated by Master Gardeners, seed dealers, individuals and 4-H clubs across the state to assist youth and adult programs that are utilizing gardens for educational purposes.

SDSU Extension stores the seeds and coordinates the seed bank effort.

Projects that received 20 seed packets included gardens for schools, learning centers, daycares, 4-H clubs or other non-profit groups, where the produce will be used as part of the program or freely shared with those in need in the community.

The awarded projects include a formal educational program with at least 15 participants. This year’s awardees include:

• Andes Central After School Program & Charles Mix County 4-H, Lake Andes

• Baltic Girl Scouts-Baltic School Community Garden

• Black Hills State University, Spearfish

• Bon Homme County 4-H Garden Club, Tyndall

• Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Area, Pierre

• Children’s House Montessori, Rapid City

• Dell Rapids Public School-Our Growing Place Garden

• Deuel High School FFA, Clear Lake

• Haakon & Jackson County 4-H

• Laura B. Anderson Elementary, Sioux Falls

• Lifescape, Sioux Falls

• Lower Brule Boys & Girls Club, Kennebec

• Lyman & Brule County 4-H

• Marty Boys & Girls Club & Charles Mix County 4-H, Marty

• Meade County 4-H, Sturgis

• Milbank OST Program

• Oahe Family YMCA, Pierre

• Rainbow Daycare Centers, Redfield

• Rapid City Central High School

• Rapid City Solid Waste Operations

• Red Cloud Indian School, Pine Ridge

• SD Development Center, Redfield

• South Park Elementary School, Rapid City

• South Part PTO, Rapid City

• Tiospa Zina Tribal School, Agency Village

• USD Children’s Center, Vermillion

• Westside Summer Program, Sisseton

• White Lake Elementary

• Young Women’s Christian Association, Huron

2016 Seed Bank

The Seed Bank will again be available in 2016, with applications opening in mid-January. If individuals are interested in donating seed packages for the 2016 growing season, contact Chris Zdorovtsov, SDSU Extension Community Development Field Specialist at 605.782.3290. Unopened seed packets less than one year old are preferred.

To learn more or to be added to the Youth Gardening Listserv for regular updates about grants and trainings contact Zdorovtsov at 605.782.3290 or via email at christina.zdorovtsov@sdstate.edu.