Bemidji Program Offers 250 Free Spring Gardening Kits to Local Youth

Growing Our Future is offering 250 free spring gardening kits to youth in and around Bemidji, with registration open through March 28.

The Bemidji-based program, founded by local resident Bridget Westrum in 2021, began with free starter garden kits containing planting information, seeds, and soil. This spring's kits are more fully equipped: each one includes 10 varieties of seeds, a seed starting mix, a plastic reusable cell tray, a biodegradable cell tray, a bottom tray to catch water, a spray bottle, and plant labels. Recipients also choose a gardening gift of their own selecting.

Any youth 18 or younger is eligible to receive a kit, and the program serves families in Bemidji and the surrounding area. The 250-kit figure comes from Growing Our Future's own Instagram post; the deadline for registration is March 28.

Spring gardening activity is picking up across the county. The Beltrami County Master Gardeners are hosting a Spring Gardening Party on Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Evangelical Free Church, 115 Carr Lake Rd SW in Bemidji. Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. The event costs $20 and includes gardening education, plant-related conversation, door prizes, and snacks. The Master Gardeners are part of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, which counts more than 3,100 volunteers statewide.

Registration details for Growing Our Future's spring kits, including the sign-up link, were not available in materials released at press time. Families seeking to register before the March 28 deadline should contact Growing Our Future directly for instructions.