Plant A Row for the Hungry kicks off with party

Nearly 100 people showed up for the Plant A Row kickoff party at Plant It Nursery on May 30.

"People just kept coming and going," said Heather Kahabka, who owns the Gardnerville nursery with her husband Kris.

The couple, with the help of Bonnie Plants and Business Essentials, introduced the national program to Nevadans last month.

Created in 1995 by the Garden Writers Association, the program gives the phrase "grass roots" a new meaning. Participants simply plant an extra row in their garden to grow food for the hungry. Each receives a free Bonnie plant, but must pledge to make at least three donations throughout the growing season. Produce is dropped off at the nursery on the weekends, then delivered fresh to the Carson Valley Community Food Closet during the week.

"People are very excited about the program," said Kahabka. "I was very surprised at the turnout. Well over 50 people have signed up."

Tulip Hill wineries, Barone & Reed, Indigo and Two Guys from Italy provided appetizers and drinks for the bash.

"The people who came were from across the spectrum," Kahabka said. "We talked about the program and all facets of gardening, and enjoyed the wonderful food from local restaurants."

Kahabka said some party-goers decided to take plants they'd never tried before.

"There were a lot of popular varieties like tomatoes, but people also tried things like rhubarb, honey dew and watermelons, which they'd heard can't grow here," said Kahabka. "But they can grow good up here. You just have to start early."

Kahabka said the early summer rains will help out gardeners this season, but that it will take a few weeks before big crops start showing up at the nursery for donation. However, many herbs, such as basil, rosemary and dill, are already on their way to the food closet.

"It's a good time to come and join," said Kahabka.

A Plant A Row float, including an old-fashioned farm stand, will be featured in the Carson Valley Days parade on Saturday.

Plant It Nursery is located at 1346 Centerville Lane. For more information about Plant A Row, call 781-1918 or visit www.plantarownv.org.