Sussex County's Best
Sussex County Board of Agriculture /Plant a Row for the Hungry initiative. The farming community has undertaken the initiative to join with the local gardening community in an effort to "take a bite out of local hunger".
But what inspires gardeners to want to join with in this effort? Sussex Naturally wanted to know who's participating and why...the SCBOA website sussexcountyboardofagriculture.org had the answers we were looking for.



Sussex County gardeners are seeing a great return for their efforts this year-and for avid gardener, Keith Hopler, it has truly been an extraordinary season.

submitted photo: Sussex Co gardeners enjoy a great season

The Frankford resident has been actively practicing sustainable food production for many years and has expanded his garden in size and variety to supply a full growing season of delicious veggies. Keith traditionally shares a great deal of the produce from his lush garden with friends,associates and neighbors. While he enjoys eating the fresh produce, he also cans and preserves much of his seasonal harvest for his personal use throughout the rest of the year. But "sharing the bounty" is one of the best rewards for his efforts and long hours in the garden.

This year, Keith has some new neighbors to share with. Through his participation in the Sussex County Board of Agriculture's Plant a Row for the Hungry initiative he's already presented a wide variety of fresh greens to HARVEST HOUSE in Sussex earlier this season. With an anticipated bumper crop of tomatoes reaching their maturity within the next few weeks- Keith sees this as another great opportunity to "help take a bite our of local hunger-by sharing with a neighbor in need". He's already planning additional PLANT A ROW donations as the harvest season progresses.

Usually,Keith like many other Sussex County gardeners and farmers, likes to keep his giving and sharing a more private matter. However he's allowed us to help celebrate his garden success- and his Plant A Row sharing- in hopes of inspiring and encouraging other gardeners to do the same.

"I have always loved to garden", Keith said, "And have always found there's been more than enough for my table-cupboard and to share. It's a great feeling to know you're helping someone out...simply by doing what you love to do!"

Frankford Township resident, Keith Hopler (Left )makes a garden harvest donation to HARVEST HOUSE in Sussex.