Second Chance Youth Garden

11/03/2026

Alexa Maite learned about the Youth Garden Program through a family member. She arrived with previous internship experience and used this opportunity to develop teamwork and communication skills.

Working in the garden taught Alexa how to care for plants and work alongside others. She was interested to learn that gardens like this one exist around San Diego. Tomatoes are her favorite garden crop, and she has taken some home.

“Eating and learning to make new foods.”

Nutrition lessons helped Alexa think about choosing more vegetables. She also noticed a personal change through participating in the program.

“I feel I've become more outgoing.”

Alexa hopes to find a job after the program and is interested in animation after high school. Outside the garden, she enjoys drawing, knitting, and crocheting

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10/29/2026

Three ingredients. One easy way to enjoy kale.
You’ll need:
• 1 bunch kale, washed, stems removed, leaves chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
Warm the oil in a pan, stir in garlic briefly, then add kale. Cook, stirring, until tender.
Save this idea for your next farmstand visit!

10/28/2026

CONGRATS COHORT 35

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our Second Chance Youth Garden graduates this week! Our garden job training program has empowered these amazing youth with valuable skills in cooking and gardening, while also equipping them with essential soft and hard skills for the workplace. Each graduate will walk away not only with a polished resume but also with a citrus tree legacy project that will bear fruit for years to come, showcasing the fruits of their labor and dedication.

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10/22/2026

Learning starts with getting your hands in the soil.
At Second Chance Youth Garden, young people practice planting, cultivating, and harvesting while exploring what it takes to grow food.
Support that learning at our farmstand every Thursday, 3–5 PM.
Fresh ingredients for your kitchen. Valuable experience for our young growers.

10/21/2026

Harvest the freshest youth-grown kale straight from our garden!

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10/19/2026

Second Chance Youth Garden Winter -After School Program

Check out our event on Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026.

Click here for event details from Grow the Garden, Grow the Next Generation!

10/15/2026

Your Thursday plans just got fresher!
Visit Second Chance Youth Garden’s farmstand today from 3–5 PM for locally grown produce and a chance to connect with our young growers.
Your purchases help support program stipends, supplies, and instruction. EBT welcome!
Bring a friend—and your reusable bag.

10/12/2026

Hi friends, our youth farmers just harvested a fresh round, and the farmstand is stocked this week:

Italian Basil $2 · Collard Greens $2 · Lemongrass $2 · Mixed Lettuce $3 · Arugula $3 · Curly Kale $2.50 · Scotch Bonnets 3 for $1 · Moringa Leaves $3 · Celery $2 · Parsley $2.

Herb lovers, this is your week: fresh basil, parsley and lemongrass are all in. Order online and pick up at 6145 Imperial Ave, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm: secondchanceyouthgarden.com/s/order

Every dollar supports youth stipends and training. Eat fresh, do good!

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10/06/2026

Growing Confidence and a Future of Her Own

Audrey Sagers heard about the Youth Garden Program from her parents and decided to join

because it sounded fun and interesting. She came into the program with volunteer experience
packing fruit and canned food, and during Cohort 34 she continued developing an important
workplace skill: staying committed.
The garden gave Audrey a chance to see firsthand how different plants grow and what they
need to thrive. She was especially surprised by how often there was something new growing or
being planted. Her experience also strengthened her awareness of the environment and the
importance of planting more trees and growing food.
“I’ll definitely have my own little garden.”
Audrey already knows gardening is something she would like to carry into adulthood. Her
future garden might include carrots, tomatoes, a lemon tree, and kale. Nutrition and cooking
made an impact as well, and she says she has started her mornings with a more balanced
variety of foods.
Audrey says working in the garden has helped her feel calmer and develop a better mindset
and attitude. Looking ahead, she hopes to become a tattoo artist, earn money, and travel. She
also enjoys drawing and previously played basketball.

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10/06/2026

Teamwork, Creativity, and Growing Confidence

Alexa Maite heard about the Youth Garden Program from a family member and entered with

previous internship experience. During Cohort 34, she strengthened her teamwork and
communication skills while learning more about how to care for plants.
The garden introduced Alexa to different gardening approaches, including the surrounding San
Diego gardening community. Tomatoes became a favorite, and she has taken some home to
enjoy.
“I feel I’ve become more outgoing.”
Nutrition lessons reinforced the importance of eating more vegetables, while the cooking
activities gave her opportunities to eat and learn how to make new foods. Alexa also says the
program has helped her become more outgoing.
After the program, she plans to look for a job. Looking further ahead, she is interested in
animation. Her creative interests extend beyond career goals: she enjoys drawing, knitting, and
crocheting.

Click here for an update from Grow the Garden, Grow the Next Generation!