HARVEST WITH A HEART — Horticulture teacher Joan Harden, left, waters herbs and vegetables for the Harvest with a Heart plant and vegetable sale in Milford, May 13, 14. Emily Sabin, a ninth-grader, has been tending the plants in the Wawasee High School greenhouse since mid-March along with other members of Harden’s horticulture class. “I learned a lot,” said Sabin. (Photo by David Hazledine)

MILFORD — Since 2013, Milford’s Harvest with a Heart, 201 S. Higbee St., at the corner of SR 15 and Emeline Street, has been raising vegetables, herbs and money for the community. The organization’s annual plant and vegetable sale returns from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 13, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May, 14.
A unique feature of the sale is how it involves students in Joan Harden’s horticulture class at Wawasee High School, who have helped to raise much of the vegetables and herbs in the school’s greenhouse.
“I’ve learned a lot,” said Emily Sabin, a ninth-grader who helped start the plants in March. Separating the plants, how the stem develops, transplanting, cuttings, maintaining the proper moisture level, Sabin learned all this and more during the months leading up to the sale.
“It’s part of the community aspect of the sale,” explained Lisa Weisser, who, along with board member Sharon Fouts, was involved with the sale’s preparation. “The students get real world experience. It’s a win — win. The money raised stays within the community. It’s an important event.”
The plants are purchased via a donation, and the money raised goes to a variety of organizations. Last year’s donations went to Milford Garden Club, Milford Fire Department, Milford Public Library, FFA scholarships, Milford Food Pantry, Harvest with a Heart and others. The minimum donation is 25 cents. Those who wish to donate spring perennials may bring them May 13.
“The Harvest with a Heart sale is an affordable way for anyone to grow their own vegetables while supporting Harvest with a Heart’s goals of providing fresh, local produce in our community,” said Weisser.
For more information go to www.harvestwithaheart.org, visit them on Facebook or call (574) 658-4156.