Beckley, WV (WOAY) – If you’re planning on signing up for free seeds in a popular West Virginia gardening contest, you could be running out of time. Friday, January 31 is the deadline to sign up for free seeds from the Grow This: West Virginia Garden Challenge .
The West Virginia University Extension Family Nutrition Program launched the 2025 campaign on January 14 with new seed varieties, a new seed distribution system and a new round of competition along with a new science fiction-inspired theme.
According to a press release on the organization’s website Kristin McCartney, Extension specialist and SNAP-Ed coordinator with the Family Nutrition Program said: “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 got its start as a statewide competition when it debuted in 2024 operating on a point system for county teams. Participants complete a series of challenges aimed at promoting gardening and building local food security and resilience.
In March, participants will be able to pick up their seeds at one of over 200 community partners across the state. This year’s Grow This seed varieties are chives, mesclun lettuce and pickling cucumbers.
Click here to sign up for seeds from Grow This: https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bybVdLcSuYBPOku
