In this week’s edition of the “Grow Another Row, Cass County,” newsletter, Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh and the Grow Another Row team, say May 15th is traditionally known as the Last Frost date in Iowa, but of course Mother Nature has her own agenda and we respect that! Another way to determine ideal planting time is to check the soil temperature. Simply grab a kitchen thermometer and insert it into the soil until you get a reading. Check several spots for accuracy.

MOST WANTED PRODUCE DONATIONS: According to ISU Extension, the 13 best produce donations are: tomatoes, winter squash, zucchini, potatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers, melons, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beans. Keep this in mind when you’re planting.

Cass County Food Pantries are accepting fresh produce donations now: Cass County food pantries love receiving fresh produce! Make sure the pantries are able to use your donations: 1. Contact the pantry to set up a time to drop off your donation (pantries don’t always have extra refrigeration space). 2. Bring clean produce to the pantry (very little dirt). If you wash the produce before bringing it to the pantry, be sure you can dry it. If you can’t fully dry it, don’t wash it. 3. If possible, bring the produce pre-sacked in quantities that could be sent home with a small family. (Example: please sack green beans, carrots, etc. in 1-pound bags).

• Anita Food Pantry – 208 Chestnut St, Anita, IA 50020 Hours: 1st & 3rd Saturday, 9:00am – 11:00am Produce donation contact: Tracey Lett (712) 249-4996;
• Atlantic Food Pantry – 19 W. 4th St., Atlantic, IA 50022; Hours: Thursdays, 1:00pm – 2:00pm Produce donation time: Thursdays, 9:00-10:00 AM (No need to call ahead if you deliver during this time.) Produce donation contact: (712) 243-1820
• Cumberland Care & Share Food Pantry – 317 Monroe St, Cumberland, IA 50843 Hours: 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 4:00pm- 5:30pm Produce donation contact: (712) 774-5818
• Lord’s Cupboard of Griswold – 100 Cass St., Griswold, IA 51535 Hours: 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 11:00am – 2:00pm Produce donation contact: (712) 778-4178
• Cass County COVID-19 Mobile Food For All Address: Cass County Community Center (805 W 10th Street, Atlantic, IA 50022) Hours: Mon. 11 AM- 12 PM or by appointment. Produce donation contact: Brigham Hoegh (712) 249-5870

  Watch for our newsletters for more gardening news throughout the season.  For more gardening tips and to sign up to participate in Grow Another Row visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/content/grow-another-row-cass-county. Happy planting! From The ‘Grow Another Row, Cass County’ team