One of the challenges Granite Staters are facing is food insecurity.
The goal of Winter Plant a Row with 4-H is to raise awareness of food insecurity in Strafford County, but it's also an activity that aims to nurture the curiosity in youth to see things grow, take care of seedlings and enjoy a healthy snack on a sandwich or in a salad.
If you want to harness your growing success, 4-H is holding the Favorite Foods Festival on April 29 (Rain Date: April 30), and microgreens make a fantastic garnish for the "Grow your own garnish" category.
The tiny microgreens grow from seeds and are ready for harvest when their first true leaves appear, which usually takes only a week or two after planting. Benefits of this activity are:
- To witness how seeds sprout and plants grow.
- Adding a splash of color to your home, especially during the winter.
- Experiencing the responsibility of tending and growing a miniature garden.
- Trying new flavors and combinations.
- Nutrition benefits.
Seeds and instructions to grow your own microgreens indoors and complete the hands-on activities will be provided. Supplies will be mailed to participants beginning February 6, 2023.
Included:
- Three types of microgreen seeds
- Instructions and information
How to Register
Please register for Winter Plant a Row with 4-H via 4-H online.
Registration is rolling for Winter Plant a Row and begins on February 6th, 2023.
Registration deadline is March 21st, 2023.
Participation is free and microgreen seeds and instructions will be mailed to your doorstep.
Activity Levels & Resources
Explore 3 different levels as you are growing microgreens at home.
Level 1 (Easy): Grow tabletop microgreens with the help of this informative step-by-step video, created by our Strafford County Field Specialist for Commercial Horticulture, Jonathan Ebba.
Level 2 (Intermediate): Grow hydroponic lettuce with a mini raft system. For guidance, watch this informative step-by-step video, created by our Strafford County Field Specialist for Commercial Horticulture, Jonathan Ebba.
Level 3 ("Deep Dive") - For High School ages only: Please email us at ce.strafford@unh.edu to request a 4-H Hydroponics Curriculum Student Guide.
Other resources:
Growing Microgreens Webinar, used with permission from University of Maine Cooperative Extension's "Growing Microgreens" webinar, recorded on January 3, 2022
4-H at Home: Grow your own Microgreens
Spread the Word
Use the hashtag #plantarow603 when you post pictures of your sprouts!
Join the private Plant A Row Facebook Group!
While the community's extra rows are growing, you can use UNH Extension resources to learn more about food access in New Hampshire:
UNH Extension worked with the public assistance community to create the New Hampshire Food Access Map, an online platform that enables organizations to offer their services and share their needs with the public.
Find out the latest as UNH Extension builds a statewide map for farm products.
New Hampshire Farm Products Map
