With planting season beginning, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County are sponsoring, for a third year, a campaign to encourage residents to start their own gardens. Victory Gardens For Broome will launch at the Broome Country Regional Farmers Market on Saturday, May 14 at 9 am to 1pm, providing seed packs and information from the expert staff at CCE Broome.

“People across the country have rediscovered the satisfaction of growing their own food,” said Lupardo, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. “Victory Gardens for Broome will once again bring the community together to share stories about their gardens, while supporting local greenhouses and seed suppliers. This is the perfect time to grow your own plants in containers, raised beds, or in larger spaces.”

On Saturday, May 14^th, customers at the Broome County Regional Farmers Market will receive four packs of vegetable seeds, along with information on how to plan and start their own garden. The seeds were purchased by Lupardo and CCE from Page Seed Company in Greene.

The concept of a “victory garden” dates back more than 100 years to World War I when Americans on the home front began growing their own food to make up for shortages caused by the war. Victory gardens returned once again during World War II. While there is no immediate need for growing our own food, the new version of the garden provides fresh produce for people who are looking for a healthy outdoor activity.

“We are excited to partner with Assemblywoman Lupardo on our annual seed giveaway,” said Beth Roberts, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County. “It is our hope that by providing seeds to community residents it will encourage more residential gardening and instill a sense of pride to grow your own food. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County provides education to support growing your own food and resources can be found on our website that includes home gardening and Ask a Master Gardener.”