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.
1 Find out what space they haveYou can ask "Do you have a porch, a balcony, a sunny window, or a spot by the door?"
You can ask "Do you rent? It's best to ask the landlord before you set out pots or dig."
You can say "You can grow a lot of food in buckets. There are also shared gardens."
2 Grow in buckets and pots5-gallon buckets work well. Drill 4 or 5 small holes in the bottom so water drains.
Good in pots: lettuce, chard, kale, green onions, herbs, bush beans, cherry tomatoes and chile.
Potatoes grow well in a big tub or a heavy sack. Add soil as the plants grow.
Use potting mix with compost. Plain yard dirt gets hard in a pot.
3 Join a shared garden
National Center for Frontier Communities (NCFC)
Bayard Community Garden and Greenhouse Training Center
575-519-4846
Central Ave. (next to Bayard Fire Station), Bayard · Call for hours
The Commons Center for Food Security & Sustainability
Volunteer: community garden and greenhouse
575-388-2988
501 E. 13th St., Silver City · Shifts Tue-Thu about 10am-2pm (seasonal)
NMSU Cooperative Extension Service - Grant County
Cooperative Extension (nutrition, gardening, 4-H)
575-388-1559
2610 N Silver St, Silver City · Weekday business hours
4 If they move a lot or have no place yetSprouts grow in a jar in 3 to 5 days with only water. Use dry lentils or mung beans.
Rinse them 2 times a day and drain well. Eat them when the tails are short.
You can say "A few herbs in a coffee can is a good start, and it can move with you."
At the Gospel Mission The food pantry and soup kitchen can help in the meantime.
5 Learn moreSee the guide "Wants to grow vegetables to eat" for frost dates and water tips.
See the guide "Wants free seeds or plants to grow food".
More help like this
Hungry today and needs food for the month Use 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 door Use 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 bring Use 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 oil Use 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
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
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.