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Wants to grow vegetables to eat

Use when someone wants to grow some of their own food in Silver City or Grant County and needs to know what to plant, when, and how to save water.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
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.
In this guide
  1. Find out what they have
  2. Know Silver City's growing season
  3. Pick easy crops that do well here
  4. Save water
  5. Get free local advice and a soil check
  6. Use SNAP to get started

1Find out what they have

You can ask"Where would you grow? A yard, a few pots, or a shared garden?"
You can ask"Is there a water faucet close by? Does the spot get 6 or more hours of sun?"
You can say"Even a few plants of beans, squash and greens can add fresh food to your meals."

2Know Silver City's growing season

Silver City is near 6,000 feet. Days are hot and dry. Nights are cool.
The last spring frost is usually in mid-April, but a late frost can come into early May.
Peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes and potatoes can go in from mid-March to April.
The first fall frost usually comes in late October or early November.
May and June are the hottest, driest months. Monsoon rains usually come July to September.

3Pick easy crops that do well here

Beans and summer squash: easy, and they give a lot of food.
Chile and tomatoes: buy small plants in May. They need warm soil.
Greens (chard, kale, lettuce, spinach): fast. Grow them in spring and again in fall.
Potatoes: plant pieces of potato that have eyes, in April.

4Save water

Mulch: put 3 to 4 inches of straw, wood chips or leaves around plants. It keeps the soil moist and cool.
Waffle garden: an old Zuni way. Make small sunken squares with low dirt walls, so water stays at the roots.
Water deeply in the early morning, 2 or 3 times a week, not a little every day.
A drip line or soaker hose uses much less water than a sprinkler.

5Get free local advice and a soil check

NMSU Cooperative Extension Service - Grant County
Cooperative Extension (nutrition, gardening, 4-H)
575-388-1559
2610 N Silver St, Silver City · Weekday business hours
The Extension office gives free garden advice. Master Gardener volunteers answer questions.
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)
Website ↗

6Use SNAP to get started

SNAP (EBT) can buy vegetable seeds and food plants, like tomato and chile plants.
At the Gospel MissionThe food pantry and soup kitchen can help while the garden grows.
See the guide "Wants their SNAP (food stamps) to last all month".

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

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.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
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.