Community Garden and Hydroponics

Cultivation and Education

Growing

The Community Action Center Garden program utilizes several different growing spaces to grow and harvest fresh produce for our Food Bank and Mobile Farm Stand program. These spaces include a hydroponic system in our office lobby, community garden plots at Koppel Farm, and a new greenhouse space at the Palouse Discovery Science Center!

Hydroponics – Our indoor hydroponic tanks grow leafy greens year around and can yield over 30 bags of lettuce mix a week! Other than lettuce varieties we can also grow Bok Choi, Kale, Swiss Chard and so much more. These spaces are critical during our long winters when we can’t grow outside.

Community Garden – April through October you can find our garden plots at Koppel Farm filled to the brim with veggies. The Pullman Community Garden donates 6 plots to CAC, and we use these spaces to grow things like potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, and more.

Greenhouse at PDSC – New in 2023, our 700 square foot greenhouse allows us room to start more veggies in the spring, grow specialty crops throughout the year, and gives us a site for education and collaboration events in the future.

Education

In addition to food production, the garden program aims to provide garden education to the community and be a valuable resource for those who wish to learn how to grow their own food. In collaboration with local organizations like the Whitman County Master Gardeners and the Palouse Discovery Science Center, we offer several different programs throughout the year.

If you are interested in volunteering with our garden program or have an education event you’d like to see or help facilitate, email Claire at clairec@cacwhitman.org

Spring Plant Sale

Save the date! Our spring plant sale fundraiser will be Friday, May 3rd. Plants are just $3, and all funds go to support the food bank garden program. Check out our greenhouse and stock up for the growing season!

2024 Classes

Seed to Table (January through August)

Once a month, Whitman County Master Gardeners will provide a lesson and hands on demonstration with a beginner friendly theme. These classes are geared towards adults (or families with older children) interested in starting their own gardens or expanding their skillset. Monthly themes in the 2023 series included “Seed Starting”, “Container Gardening”, and “Weed and Pest Management”. Watch for registration information in the Parks and Rec catalog or on our social media.

DIY Microgreens (Winter) 

Family friendly! Learn how to grow peas, sunflower shoots, and more. This is a simple, quick growing activity for all ages. Supplies will be provided.

Container Gardening (Spring)

Another family friendly class! Participants will learn the basics of planting in pots or containers and will have an opportunity to put together their own salad bowl or her pot. Materials provided.

Mason Jar Hydroponics (Fall)

Learn how to grow your own lettuce or herbs in a mason jar on your counter! Family friendly, and all the materials you need provided.