When we launched the Grow With Us gardening campaign at AfriThrive this spring, we dreamed of something powerful. We handed out tomato seedlings, published a home gardening guide, and welcomed families to our cultural farm. Our goal was simple—help families grow food, reconnect with culture, and build healthier communities.
Now it’s July. Some gardens are flourishing. Others need a second chance. That’s part of the journey. And it’s not too late to get involved.
What is the Grow With Us Campaign?
Grow With Us is a community gardening and health initiative by AfriThrive that brings families and neighbors together through food. It promotes:
Home gardening education
Nutrition workshops rooted in African traditions
Youth programs in schools and communities
Fresh food access through local distributions
If you’re searching for ways to support food justice, sustainable agriculture, or intergenerational learning, this is your invitation.
👉 Donate to AfriThrive’s Grow With Us campaign
Missed the Start? You Can Still Join
Even if you didn’t start your garden in spring, you can still plant today. Tomatoes, herbs, and leafy greens grow well into late summer with the right care.
Use our Home Gardener’s Guide for easy week-by-week instructions. It includes:
What to plant and when
How to water and fertilize
Natural pest control tips
Tomato care from seedlings to harvest
👉 Download the free tomato growing guide
Food as Medicine: Healing Through Heritage
In June, we hosted a farm tour at our Poolesville Cultural Community Farm. Guests learned how traditional African crops are improving local health outcomes through our Food as Medicine initiative. Local chefs showed how to turn simple ingredients into healing meals.
Explore our new Food as Medicine Recipe Booklet, featuring:
Roasted Chickpeas: High in fiber and plant-based protein
Kale and Apple Salad: Detoxifying and heart healthy
Pumpkin Soup: Rich in beta-carotene and flavor
Hummus Without Tahini: Protein-packed and budget friendly
👉 Download the recipe booklet for free
These are more than meals. They are stories passed down through generations, full of cultural wisdom and healing power.
July Gardening Tips for Tomato Growers
If your tomato plant is still growing, this is a crucial month. Follow these simple steps:
Water early in the day and aim for the roots
Use mulch to keep moisture in and weeds out
Prune small shoots to help fruit grow strong
Add support using stakes or cages
Check leaves for pests and disease signs
Every plant you care for brings you closer to health, connection, and purpose.
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Dickens O. Molo
Dickens gives his time in big and small ways—from packing food boxes to welcoming guests on farm tours. His passion comes from his own story of receiving help when he needed it most.
“I may never meet the people who helped me, but I can honor them by helping someone else,” Dickens shared.
Thank you, Dickens. Your kindness grows far beyond the farm.
How You Can Support AfriThrive
Donate: Fund gardening kits, workshops, and food programs
Volunteer: On the farm, in the kitchen, or at events
Share your garden: Post using #GrowWithAfriThrive
Download our resources: The guides and recipes are free
Join our board: We’re looking for new leaders who care deeply about food access and equity
AfriThrive is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building healthier communities through culturally relevant food, education, and sustainable solutions.
Still Growing, Still Hopeful
We started this season by planting seeds. Some took root right away. Others need more time. What matters most is that we keep showing up—for our soil, for our neighbors, and for our future.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
