Celina (4-14-25) – Ohio State University Extension Mercer County is launching the “Mercer County Great Garden Giveaway” that offers county residents free vegetable garden seeds. This program is developed after the successful Ohio Department of Agriculture Victory Garden program. Originally, victory gardens were promoted by the USDA during World War II as an answer to a severe food shortage at the time. People were encouraged to find any usable space, plant some seeds 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.

Locally, the OSU Extension Office wants to continue the mission of that statewide program and encourage residents to grow their own produce in the spirit of the initial victory gardens. Vegetable seeds available in the Mercer County Great Garden Giveaway include two types of lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, cantaloupe, pumpkins, and parsley.  Mercer County residents that want to grow their own vegetables are welcome to stop in the office Monday-Friday, 8:30AM to 4:00PM located at 4978 Mud Pike, Celina, Ohio. Seeds are available on a first come, first serve basis.

If you have any questions, please call the OSU Extension Office in Mercer County office at 419-586-2179.