As summer growing season gets underway, community gardens across the Magic Valley are seeing another year of strong participation, helping provide fresh produce, strengthen neighborhoods, and support local families.
In Twin Falls, community garden plots near the College of Southern Idaho and several neighborhood garden projects are already filling with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and herbs. Similar efforts can be found in Jerome, Burley, Rupert, and Gooding, where residents are using shared garden spaces to grow fresh food while building stronger community connections.
While the gardens produce plenty of vegetables, organizers say the real harvest often comes in the form of friendships, education, and community pride. Many participants are first-time gardeners learning new skills, while experienced growers often volunteer their time to help neighbors succeed.
Several community gardens throughout the region also donate excess produce to local food banks, church pantries, and charitable organizations. Those donations become especially valuable during the summer months when many families are looking for access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Community leaders say the gardens provide benefits far beyond the food they produce. They help beautify neighborhoods, encourage outdoor activity, create gathering places, and teach younger generations where food comes from.
As the growing season continues, volunteers and gardeners remain optimistic about another productive year. Whether it’s a child picking their first tomato, a family stretching their grocery budget, or fresh produce finding its way to a local food pantry, these gardens continue to make a positive impact across the Magic Valley.
It’s proof that sometimes the best things growing in our community aren’t just vegetables—they’re the relationships and generosity that grow alongside them.
Gina believes in the power of local media to make a difference, whether by keeping listeners informed, giving a platform to local voices, or providing a soundtrack to their day.
Now, as she returns to Lee Family Broadcasting at the helm of Hot100 FM, Gina is especially excited to reconnect with the Magic Valley community she calls home. She is grateful for the opportunity to combine her professional expertise with her personal love of music, entertainment, and storytelling.
