MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The deadline to sign up for free seeds from the Grow This: West Virginia Garden Challenge is fast approaching, with sign-ups closing on Friday, January 31.
After that, the competition phase of the program will begin.
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The 2025 campaign, run by the West Virginia University Extension Family Nutrition Program, launched on January 14 with a science fiction-inspired theme, new seed varieties, a revised seed distribution system, and a fresh round of challenges.
“While we’re closing our seed sign-up for 2025, this is really just the beginning of the fun,” said Kristin McCartney, Extension specialist and SNAP-Ed coordinator with the Family Nutrition Program.
“We’re ready to get this year’s Grow This Throwdown underway and will begin launching challenges on social media in coming weeks.”
The Grow This Throwdown is a statewide competition that debuted in 2024, encouraging participants to complete gardening challenges that promote local food security and resilience.
Completing challenges earns points for county teams.
Last year’s activities included starting seed libraries, donating seeds, creating edible landscapes, a recipe contest, and a per-pound harvest challenge.
“While these may seem like just fun community challenges, they are creating community change that can help individuals and communities be more self-sufficient when it comes to food,” McCartney said.
At the end of last year’s competition, Grow This awarded $22,500 in community improvement grants.
Participants who sign up for seeds can pick them up in March at one of over 200 community partner locations, including WVU Extension offices, libraries, community organizations, and county Family Resource Network offices.
This year’s seed selection includes chives, mesclun lettuce, and pickling cucumbers.
To sign up for free seeds, visit: Grow This Registration.
