FAQ

We have been receiving a great number of questions and wanted to answer them all here in our FAQ page to help others who may have the same questions!

 

What is the Ohio Victory Gardens program?

The Victory Gardens program is a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio State University that provides free garden sample seed starter packets to Ohioans in order to inspire them to raise their own vegetables.
Victory Gardens originated during World War I, an answer to a severe food shortage at the time. People were encouraged to find any usable space, plop in some seed and contribute homegrown fruits, vegetables and herbs to the effort. The idea was wildly successful, growing an army of amateur gardeners and serving to boost morale and patriotism.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio State University are reviving the effort and once again inspiring people to get their hands dirty, realize the fruits of their labor and share with others if inspired. We believe a good day in the garden is good for the soul.

What does the program provide?

The program provides participants with a sample seed starter packet (first come first serve) and if the participant fills out the yearly survey they are entered in to the tool kit raffle!

What kinds of seed are available?

In 2024, each sample seed starter packet contains carrot, cucumber, lettuce, and sunflower seed
Please note: The seed obtained, from Holmes Seed Company and Walnut Creek Seed,  for the program are non-GMO (non-Genetically Modified Organism), untreated, and Heirloom seed (excluding the sunflowers)

How much seed is in each packet?

There is roughly a ¼ teaspoon (give or take) of seed in each seed type packet. This sample seed starter packet is not meant to fill an entire garden but to get you started in your gardening journey with crops that are easy-ish to grow and are more commonly consumed in the home.

When will the sample seed starter packets be available?

The programs event kickoff will be early April 2024 and each COUNTY will have their own dates, times and locations for when they will be distributing their 300 sample seed starter packets.

Where and when can I get seed?

The Victory Gardens program is kicking off early April 2024! Seeds will be distributed only by your county’s Ohio State University Extension Office. Our Victory Gardens website will have dates and times for each county’s pick up.

How many sample seed starter packets will be available?

In 2024, 64 counties are able to take part in the program. Each county’s Ohio State University Extension Office will receive 300 sample seed starter packets to distribute that contain the sample packets of carrot, cucumber, lettuce, and sunflower seed.

What counties will the program be in?

Check out the COUNTY list for location information!
In 2024 we are in the following counties:

Adams, Allen, Ashtabula, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Brown, Carroll, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Darke, Defiance, Delaware, Erie, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Gallia, Geauga, Greene, Hamilton, Hardin, Highland, Huron, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lake, Licking, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Meigs, Mercer, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morrow, Noble, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Portage, Putnam, Ross, Clinton, Seneca, Shelby, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Union, Van Wert, Vinton, Warren, Washington, Wayne,

 

Why isn’t Ohio Victory Gardens in my county?

Just like your garden, we are working each year on building the Ohio Victory Gardens program and being able to provide sample seed kit packets to more counties. Eventually we hope to be able to distribute seed sample kit packets in all 88 counties.

Who pays for this?

The Victory Gardens program is made possible through a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, Donations and Volunteers.

Do I need to register?

No. Seed pick up is first come, first serve on the specified dates in each participating county.

What is the survey for?

The SURVEY helps meet the requirements of the grant we have obtained in order to expand the program, without the grant we are unable to obtain the amount of seed and supplies needed and we would be unable to expand the program to more counties.

I have more questions, who can I contact?

Please email us at OhioVictoryGardens@agri.ohio.gov

 

 

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A HUGE SHOUT OUT to all of the Volunteers that made this Ohio Victory Garden Program possible!!!!