These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Ask what they want to grow
You can ask"What do you like to eat? Beans, squash, chile, tomatoes, greens?"
You can ask"Will you grow in the ground, in pots, or in a shared garden?"
You can say"There are free seeds in Grant County. Many were grown right here, so they do well."
2Borrow free seeds from the seed library
National Center for Frontier Communities (NCFC)
Southwest New Mexico Seed Library (free garden seeds)
575-519-4846
501 E 13th St. (The Commons), Silver City · At The Commons: Mon-Thu 10am-2pm
The Southwest New Mexico Seed Library gives out free seeds. Most are donated by local growers.
Seed spots have included The Commons (501 E. 13th St.), the Silver City Public Library, and the libraries in Bayard, Hurley, Gila and Lordsburg.
You can say"If you can, save seeds from your best plants and bring some back."
3Use SNAP for seeds and plants
SNAP (EBT) can buy seeds and plants that grow food.
Look in the garden section of any store that takes EBT.
Silver City Farmers Market
SNAP Double Up Food Bucks
1120 N Main St (between 11th and 12th, next to Gough Park), Silver City · Every Saturday 9 am-noon (2026 schedule)
4Grow food from the kitchen
Dry pinto beans from a food box will often sprout and grow. Plant them after mid-May.
Potatoes with sprouts can be cut in pieces (one eye each) and planted in April.
Green onion roots grow again in a glass of water.
5Find seed swaps and classes
NMSU Cooperative Extension Service - Grant County
Cooperative Extension (nutrition, gardening, 4-H)
575-388-1559
2610 N Silver St, Silver City · Weekday business hours
See the guide "Wants to grow vegetables to eat" for when to plant.
More help like this
Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.
See all guides in Food and basics →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.