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Plant a Row.
Share a Row.
Because nothing grows community quite like sharing what's being grown in our own communities.
What is "Plant a Row, Share a Row"?
The “Plant a Row, Share a Row” initiative began in Winnipeg in the 1980s and builds on something farmers and gardeners have always done — sharing the harvest when there’s abundance. Whether it’s dropping off a bag of extra lettuce to a friend or neighbour, or taking surplus potatoes to the local food bank or food recovery depot, it’s a simple, people-helping-people idea: grow a little extra and pass it along to others in your community who can use it and will appreciate it. Today, communities across Canada have adopted the program — including here in Kimberley and Cranbrook.​
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​What Are KCFN’s Goals for “Plant a Row, Share a Row” in Our Communities?
The goal of "Plant a Row, Share a Row" is to grow both more food and more connection across the Kimberley and Cranbrook area. We want to encourage local growing, neighbour-to-neighbour sharing, and a steady flow of fresh produce into our community food programs.
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Through local Seed Library programs at both the Cranbrook Public Library and the Kimberley Public Library — where anyone can access free seeds to get started — and through community gardens in both communities — which offer knowledge, encouragement, and hands-on learning for members, volunteers, and backyard growers — we’re helping make food growing more accessible to anyone interested in getting their hands dirty.
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Because when that extra, locally grown produce is donated to our local food banks and food recovery depots in Kimberley and Cranbrook, it helps strengthen a local food system rooted in collaboration and generosity. And the more we grow and share food together, the more we grow community together.
How can you participate?
1. Plant a little extra in your garden this season with the intention of sharing in community.​
2. At harvest time, gently brush off excess soil from the produce you plan to donate (but please don’t wash with water).
3. Drop your extra produce off at your local food bank or food recovery depot.
4. When donating produce, let staff or volunteers know it’s for "Plant a Row, Share a Row" so it can be weighed and tracked.
5. Pat yourself on the back for making a wonderful contribution to your community!
6. If you’re feeling social, use the hashtag #kimcrangrowtogether on Facebook or Instagram to share your growing and harvesting journey. We’ll be sharing community posts throughout the season!
Where can you donate garden produce throughout the growing season?
In addition to sharing with friends and neighbours, the following local organizations gratefully accept fresh, locally grown produce throughout the growing season. Your donations help strengthen food security efforts across Kimberley and Cranbrook — and every bag of homegrown produce makes a meaningful difference in the lives of local families and individuals.
Cranbrook Donation Locations:
Kimberley Donation Locations:
Thank you for helping keep fresh, local food moving through our communities — this is one of the simplest and most powerful ways we can strengthen local food security together! #kimcrangrowtogether
Frequently Asked Questions
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What crops are best to donate?
Root vegetables and produce that store well are especially helpful — things like potatoes, carrots, onions, and squash. That said, all fresh, good-quality produce is gratefully received.
Do you accept crab apples?
Unfortunately, crab apples cannot be accepted. We encourage you to connect with Wildsight’s Apple Capture Program or share them directly with friends and neighbours.
I’ve made jam out of my berries, can I donate that?
Due to food safety regulations, homemade preserves (jam, chutney, sauces, etc.) cannot be accepted.
Do I need to wash the produce?
Please gently brush off excess soil, but do not wash produce with water before donating. For vegetables with tops (like carrots or beets), removing the greens can help the vegetables last longer.​
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What if I only have a small amount to donate?
Every donation matters — even a small bag of fresh produce makes a difference.
Community Gardens & Growing Together in Kimberley and Cranbrook
Whether you’re brand new to gardening or looking to deepen your skills, there are welcoming community gardens in both Kimberley and Cranbrook offering hands-on learning throughout the growing season. Many share practical gardening tips and seasonal updates through their social media accounts, and host workshops on topics like seed starting, as well as free community events such as Seedy Saturday.
These gardens don’t just teach — they also donate locally grown produce to our community food programs and share harvests among community members, actively practicing the spirit of "Plant a Row, Share a Row "in their own growing spaces.
Each garden operates a little differently, so we encourage you to reach out directly to learn how they work and how you can get involved as a volunteer, member, or supporter.
Kimberley Community Garden (Wildsight)
Located at 915 Rotary Drive, just south of the Aquatic Centre.