Gardening is more than just planting and harvesting; it’s about fostering connections and building strong, supportive communities. Coast of Maine’s Growing Good Program exemplifies this mission by bridging the gap between local businesses, educators, and community members, all through the power of gardening. This initiative has become an invaluable asset in connecting schools, local independent retailers, and the broader community, highlighting the positive impact gardening can have beyond the garden bed.
The Growing Good Program provides schools and nonprofits with the resources they need to develop and expand their gardening initiatives. But its influence stretches further than just donations of soil and supplies—it creates lasting relationships between educators and local businesses. One of the best examples of this comes from my personal experience with Blue Seal, a local business in Windham.
A couple of years ago, when I received my first donation from Coast of Maine, I headed to Blue Seal to pick up the supplies. It was then that I began to realize just how much more this program had to offer. Blue Seal wasn’t just a stop to grab soil and straw for the school garden—it became a place of knowledge, support, and connection. Their staff was incredibly helpful, and over time, our relationship deepened. Now, I purchase as much as I can from Blue Seal, not only to support them but because I value the partnership we’ve built, thanks to Coast of Maine.
What makes the Growing Good Program so special is that it doesn’t just provide schools with garden supplies; it creates meaningful, lasting connections between local businesses and the community. This connection benefits everyone involved. For educators like me, it means I have a trusted partner to turn to when I need advice on gardening or when I’m working on projects like hatching chicks at school. For businesses like Blue Seal, it means increased community support and opportunities to give back. It’s a win-win for everyone, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
The Growing Good Program highlights the importance of local, independent retailers in communities. Local businesses often play a role that goes beyond commerce—they are part of the social fabric, offering their time, knowledge, and resources to help their neighbors. In my case, Blue Seal became more than just a place to pick up garden supplies. Their staff became trusted advisors and friends, always willing to help with questions or offer guidance. Whether I’m working on a new project or need advice for the garden, they’re the first people I call.
Thanks to Coast of Maine’s Growing Good Program, the relationship between schools and businesses like Blue Seal continues to grow. The money raised from the school garden is reinvested into the local community, creating a cycle of support that benefits everyone. It’s a beautiful example of how gardening can connect people and how programs like Growing Good help those connections flourish.
In conclusion, Coast of Maine’s Growing Good Program is about much more than just gardening. It’s about supporting local businesses, empowering educators, and building stronger, more connected communities. By fostering these relationships, the program helps create a sense of unity and shared purpose, all rooted in the simple act of growing. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a local business owner, the Growing Good Program shows us that when we work together, we can grow something truly special—both in the garden and in our communities.
By Heather Whitaker
Heather Whitaker is the alternative education teacher at Gorham Middle School in Gorham, Maine where she has been teaching since 2000. Whitaker is passionate about combining learning opportunities with the needs of the community. She started her school’s garden, which donates over 800 pounds of produce to the local food pantry each year.
