Time is running out to register for free vegetables for spring planting.
The Dillon County Health Initiative (DCHI), a division of Rural Area Leadership Initiative – Dillon County (RALI-DC), is proactively addressing the health issues in Dillon County head on through interactive community programs, including providing free vegetable seeds and plants. This spring, Dillon County community members can apply for a variety of vegetable plants and seeds with the intent of increasing both more outdoor family time and healthier eating habits. DCHI will provide individuals, school gardens, and community gardens with seeds and plants to produce fresh vegetables. These plants and seeds will be available on first come, first served basis beginning this spring at the Clemson Extension office. Soil fertility, insect control, and disease control support for program participants will be provided by the Clemson Extension Service.
An application, including a soil test current within the past two years is required. The Application form can be picked up at the Extension Office or you can request that one be mailed to you.  The application is also available online at https://goo.gl/forms/1W2DCActejgqMaDX2
Approved program participants who do not have a current soil test can get one through the program free of charge.  Additional tests are available through the Clemson Extension Service.
RALI-DC has been active in helping the local community for the past eight years and hopes to increase health consciousness with this project. Community coordinators will be contacting organizations within the community to provide information regarding project details and ways to get involved with nutrition training, vegetable gardening and a double-dutch competition.  A Children’s Farmers’ Market program is also being planned.
To get additional information about free vegetable seeds and plants, information regarding community gardens, information on school gardens, nutrition training and other programming, please contact: Jennifer Foster – jenniferf.gardening@gmail.com , or Grady Sampson – gsampso@clemson.edu, 843-774-8218 Ext. 116.