"Be Full of Beans" program encourages children and their families to grow extra for those in need

A handful of seeds, well-prepared soil and Plant a Row • Grow a Row JUNIOR help teach the "how to's" of veggie gardening and harvest sharing

Canada - March 31, 2010 - Growing beans and all kinds of other vegetables is becoming a snap, thanks to Plant a Row • Grow a Row JUNIOR, a veggie gardening and sharing initiative for children and their families, sponsored by the Garden Writers Association, Food Banks Canada and The Compost Council of Canada. And to kick off the gardening season, a free package of beans and growing instructions is available to gardeners interested in supporting this initiative, thanks to the support of McKenzie Seeds.

"Whether it's beans, zucchini, carrots, herbs or tomatoes, growing vegetables offers the possibility of harvests for children and their families beyond just the food that is grown," said Susan Antler, Program Advocate and Executive Director of the Compost Council of Canada. "From planting the seed and nurturing its growth to the harvest and its sharing with local food banks and those in need, all of these actions offer experiences as well as a sense of accomplishment that will help a child grow and develop. And importantly, it can be a lot of fun at a pretty low cost."

"Plant a Row • Grow a Row JUNIOR is a great way for children and their families to come together for an amazing cause," said Britt Lawson, Brand Manager, McKenzie Seeds. "We are thrilled to support this program, and encourage families to get their hands and knees dirty in the garden this summer. The benefits of this project will last for years to come as young Canadians learn the joys of gardening and community service simultaneously."

In addition to the free bean seed package and planting instructions, a special section devoted to children and veggie gardening has been posted on www.growarow.org, thanks to the support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and care from organizations such as Rittenhouse, www.icangarden.com and Scotts Canada. Posters and other support materials are also made available for those interested in promoting the initiative within their community.

Call 1-877-571-GROW(4769) for a free package of beans to grow in your garden this summer and share some of the harvest with your local food bank. One request per family or organization. A total of 5000 bean seed packages available. Call early.

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For more information about veggie gardening
and to become involved in Plant a Row • Grow a Row, please contact
May Ho Stepanek @ 1-877-571-GROW or mstepanek@compost.org

Click here to download “How to Grow Beans” brochure