Slowly, the snow is melting away around our Co-op Community Gardens. And slowly, our garden plots are being leased out to future community gardeners. As things begin to heat up in the garden area, so will the leasing of our plots! Currently we have 6 keyhole gardens and 18 field crop areas available for lease.

If you are interested in getting dirty and participating in co-op community gardening, please stop by customer service to reserve your spot. For more information read our brochure. If you are ready to register, download a copy of our Agreement Form and our Health and Safety Policy. Sign and return the Conditions form with payment to Valley Natural Foods. Members of the co-op receive a discounted price.

If you want more gardening education, be sure to check out our current class schedule.

Finally, if you have questions, please contact our community relations developer Gary Johnson, here at Valley Natural Foods. He can be reached at 952-891-1212, ext. 236, or community@valleynaturalfoods.com.

For more insight, read Gary’s Latest Gardening Thoughts.

Starting next week Wednesday, Small Planet Foods® will be holding a consumer sweepstakes!

Enter for a chance to WIN an organic garden when you buy ANY 5 Muir Glen® or LÄRABAR® products. (Prize to be awarded in the form of a $2,500 check)  Products must be purchased in one shopping visit between 3/1/11 and 3/31/11. Look for entry forms on a tear pad near the Muir Glen® or LÄRABAR® products starting March 1.

For every valid entry form received, Small Planet Foods® will donate $1 to support the Organic Farming Research Foundation. (max. donation: $5,000).

So what a great time to stock up in March – not only will you be supporting the Organic Farming Research Foundation with your sweepstakes entry, but selected varieties of  LÄRABAR® Nutritional Bars and Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes and Organic Soups will be on sale!

We are delighted to welcome Gary Johnson to our co-op family! Gary will be working as our community relations developer for our community gardens and educational outreach here at Valley Natural Foods.

Currently buried under a couple feet of snow, our two “mandala” gardens are located on the grassy lawn east of the Valley Natural Foods parking lot. Both gardens will contain several keyhole gardening areas, and will be leased as community plots. We can hardly wait to start digging in the dirt - hurry up spring!

If you are interested in gardening with us, why not sign-up for one of our February gardening classes, while we are waiting for spring! Click Here to see our exciting class line-up, here at Valley Natural Foods.