Diversity gardens help Iowans grow their favorites

A new take on the alternative agriculture movement is growing in Storm Lake. Nine minority families there are growing what they call a “diversity garden” with the help of the Iowa State University Extension Department. Extension horticulturist Eldon Everhart says the garden contains items that’re common in the minority families’ diets — but not common in Iowa.Everhart says they would like to see this pilot project lead to the commercial growth of the specialty vegetables.They have two families that are interested in growing the ethnic crops on a commercial scale. He says this would give the families a source of income. Everhart says the pilot project includes nine plots planted with donated seeds and plants.