Thursday, May 15, 2025

Grow Something Good: How to Start a Garden with EBT





Gardening might sound intimidating at first, but hear us out—it can be easy, fun, and budget-friendly. Whether you live in an apartment with a sunny windowsill or have a backyard that’s begging for veggies, spring is the perfect time to plant something new. And did you know you can actually use your EBT card to buy seeds, plants, and even some gardening supplies?

Why Start a Garden?

  • Healthier Meals: Fresh produce at your fingertips.

  • Save Money: A $1 packet of seeds can yield pounds of food.

  • Family Fun: Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and science—all while being fun.

What You Can Buy with EBT

According to USDA guidelines, EBT can be used to purchase:

  • Seeds (like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, herbs)

  • Plants that produce food (like strawberries, onions, yams)

  • Some growing tools and starter kits through online retailers

Yes, even Amazon allows you to use SNAP benefits on certain gardening products. (Search “SNAP EBT eligible garden kit” on Amazon.)

Where to Start

  • Windowsill Garden: Basil, cilantro, mint, and parsley thrive indoors.

  • Container Garden: Great for small spaces. Use buckets, crates, or grow bags on patios.

  • Raised Beds or Ground Plots: If you have space, these provide high yield and low maintenance.

Get the Kids Involved

Let them:

  • Water the plants daily

  • Decorate plant markers

  • Use AI like ChatGPT to create new recipes from their harvest

  • Help make veggie soup, herbal dips, or smoothies


Dig into something new this season!
Subscribe to the blog and swing by Owl’s Nest Learning Hub for family-friendly activities—some totally free—that connect your kids to nature and nourish your table.

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