Weekly Crowds Gather To Harvest Crops At SCCC/ATS

Corn stalks rustle at the edge of the four-acre garden plot at Seward County Community College/Area Technical School, but the most noticeable sound on Tuesday evenings is the excited chatter of children ready to pick produce.

Last week, small children lugged watermelons across the field, while adults hauled buckets filled with fresh cucumbers, green beans and more, to pickup trucks and cars parked around the perimeter of the plot. Regular attendees shouted out occasional instructions if newcomers strayed into areas that were not ready to be harvested.

Prime Pickin’s, the gigantic garden cultivated as part of the college’s Sustainable Agriculture program, has been open to the public all summer. Families and gardening fans alike have benefited, said instructor David Coltrain. The program is funded by a federal STEM grant.

“That means we can’t sell any of the produce,” said Coltrain. “So we’re giving it away, and educating people about how to grow high-value crops at the same time.”

Every Tuesday, Coltrain offers a teaching session before he opens the garden for public harvesting. Last week, the green beans, peppers, cucumbers, and watermelons were popular. Coltrain estimates the garden will continue to yield produce through the end of October.

To participate in Prime Pickin’s come to the SCCC/ATS agriculture building on the north side of the main campus area, and follow the vehicles to the edge of the plot. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., every Tuesday, with Thursday set as the alternate day if weather interferes. For more information about the SCCC/ATS Sustainable Agriculture program, contact Coltrain at 620-417-1354.