Growth was the June theme for Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative’s pantry garden. We purchased additional sweet pepper and jalapeno pepper seedlings, and Jenn Dietz got those planted and caged at our work night June 2. That same night, Sylvia Lee planted zucchini and sunflower seeds.

Due to the limited amount of rain we received, Fran Worman, John Halko and I watered everything. Due to no rain, I watered everything again June 6.

At our work night June 9, Jenn planted Georgia Jet sweet potato vines, Sue Butchinski and I planted butternut squash seeds, and Sylvia planted zinnia seeds. To plant the sweet potato vines, Jenn poked a hole in the soil using one of the spikes from our former raised beds, inserted the vine and then compacted the soil around it.

We watered everything to wrap up the evening. Many of our potato plants were not yet emerging, but based on those that had peeked through the soil, we were able to find the rows to more efficiently water. Because we again had no rain, I watered everything June 12.

Our June 16 work night included planting a second batch of zucchini as well as basil and cilantro. Jenn planted the seeds using the raised bed spikes to mark those locations for efficient watering. The rest of us focused on weeding all the beds and watering everything.

We used watering cans and had the hoses from our two water tanks refilling the barrels as water was removed. By the end of the night, one of our tanks was completely empty, and the second tank was almost empty.

I visited the garden June 21 with the intent of watering only the zucchini, butternut squash and sweet potato vines. The peppers and tomatoes had set their roots deeply and were doing just fine. I noticed that more of the white potatoes had begun to emerge, so I added these to my watering list.

By the time I was finished watering, all the barrels were either empty or almost empty, and our second water tank was completely dry. Rain was forecast for the next two days, so I waited and prayed.

Based on the gauge at the pantry garden, by the time the rain ended June 23, we received 9-10 inches of rain — or enough to soak the garden and refill our two water tanks about a quarter of the way.

I canceled our work night June 23 due to the muddiness of the beds; however, Jenn and I weeded the butternut squash bed the next evening, and Jenn planted, caged and watered four donated tomato plants while I transported the weeds to the tree line.

We have received approval from the township to extract water from the well at the Mickley-Prydun farmhouse to refill our storage tanks when we don’t get sufficient rain. Having the flexibility to easily get water when there’s no rain will be a huge relief!

I am currently awaiting instructions from the township so that we can purchase the necessary equipment.

At the food pantry in June, we were able to offer a diverse selection of fresh vegetables including red beets, carrots, zucchini, white potatoes, cabbage, watermelon, apples and grapefruit. Thank you to all the volunteers who bagged up the produce!

We also had pantry volunteers bring in herbs from their home gardens to share with pantry guests. So far this year, this group has donated 13.3 pounds of herbs. Thank you for your generosity!

Remember, food donations, reusable shopping totes and paper bags with handles may be dropped 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at the RE/MAX Unlimited office at 1080 Schadt Ave., Whitehall. If you want your donation to be picked up or if you prefer to drop your donation directly at the pantry, call or text me at 610-379-6823.

Remember the significance of July 4, especially in this milestone year!

Editor’s note: This column was written by Gwen Herzog, pantry garden chair.