OSU Master Gardeners Helps Tulsa Boys Home With Gardening Program

OSU Master Gardeners has helped the Tulsa Boys Home start a gardening program.

They say it's been an amazing experience showing these boys how something goes from seed to harvest, and in its second year, they never thought the program would be this successful. 

"I'd say my favorite part about this garden is the cucumbers and stuff over here," said Michael Cox. 

Danielle Adkins with OSU Master Gardeners started the program last year, and it's grown from a few raised beds to multiple gardens. 

The boys take what they grow and then can make anything they want from it. 

"Homegrown food tastes way better than a can or something that's been sitting on a shelf," she said.

She's there every day and says teaching the boys about gardening and the lessons they learn from it, like patience, has been an incredible experience. 

"You can't just snap your fingers and it be grown; you have to care for it, and take care of it and nurture it," Danielle said.

Isaac Balencia works in the garden every day. He says it's amazing to see how far it's come since last year and all they've been able to grow--especially peppers. 

"Tabasco peppers are nice because they are hot. They are small, but they are mighty, that's what we like to say. You know, the smaller the pepper, the mightier the pepper," he said.

He says he finds peace in the garden, and once he leaves the boys' home, he'll continue with his own. 

"I've already started one at my house, we're growing jalapenos, tomatoes, green tomatoes, and Fresno peppers," he said.

 They're now preparing for the fall garden and plan to plant many things like Broccoli and cauliflower.