4H project grows into a produce stand

LINCOLN, Ill. (WAND) — It started as an idea for a project and has grown into a flourishing garden.

"It's definitely grown as word has gotten out about it."

Grace and Liam started with a few raised garden beds. 5 years later, it has grown into a large garden with a produce stand.

"We kept adding on. So like in the beginning, only like a couple of beds and next year we added two and the next we added two more. So we just kept adding to the garden."

The pair sells tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, onions, cucumbers and eggplants.

They start planting the vegetables for the garden each March.

"We learned how to pick stuff, how to plant it, how to handle it and how to sell."

"It gives them a sense of responsibility. So, you know, they have to go out and water, check the money box and weed. Just gives them kind of a sense of work, work ethic for their project."

Once the vegetables are ready to be picked, they sell them at the produce stand and the Lincoln's farmer's market.

"Sometimes it's hard because people hand us big bills and I'm like, what do I do? Yeah. She gives it to me because I'm not. I'm the cashier. I'm the one who does money."

It's not only a way to make money. They hope it will encourage people to eat healthy.

"It makes me feel pretty good that people want to come by and get vegetables, especially from like, young farmers, especially when you eat healthy. This is good when you eat healthy."

You can check out the produce stand on Williamette Avenue in Lincoln or the Farmer's Market in Lincoln on Saturday mornings.