Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
There may still be snow on the ground and single digit temperatures, but it’s never too early to get ready for the growing season.
The 2025 Grow This Throwdown started January 13 with the annual free seed giveaway. Each year, three different seeds are selected and given away to growers all over West Virginia.
This year’s seeds are chives, pickling cucumbers and mesclun lettuce.
Chives are great when you want an onion flavor that is not overpowering in dishes such as salads, soups and sandwiches. They are a good source of Vitamin C which is a great boost for your immune system, as well as rich in fiber, promoting healthy digestion and supporting gut health.
Whether you want to make pickles or simply have cucumbers, pickling cucumbers cover both needs. They are great for salads, sandwiches or an easy snack, and obviously, they make great pickles.
This variety of cucumber is high in water content and contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer and heart disease.
Mesclun lettuce is perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps or anything else you like to garnish with lettuce. It is a great source of Vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function. It also contains dietary fiber which aids digestion and supports heart health.
To sign up for the free seed giveaway, visit https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bybVdLcSuYBPOku and the seeds will come to you by mail.
The Pocahontas County Grow This Throwdown team is gearing up for the 2025 competition and is open to anyone interested in participating.
To join the team, visit the Facebook page at Pocahontas County WV, Grow This! Throwdown Team.
This team won second place in last year’s competition.
