The Latest Dirt - November 2024
Help Spread the News!
by Hedwig Van Den Broeck
“News to Grow By” is more than just our seasonal newsletter with nearly 8,500 subscribers—it’s a vibrant, welcoming platform that connects us with our community. With each issue, we aim to inspire, inform, and empower gardeners of all kinds, whether you have a sprawling backyard, a small garden, or simply a cozy patio.
Our dedicated editorial team crafts timely, seasonal articles designed to encourage residents to embark on or continue their gardening journey, all with a sustainable touch. We’re here to provide insightful tips, inspiring stories, and valuable resources that make sustainable gardening accessible and enjoyable. Readers are also encouraged to connect with us beyond the newsletter, whether by exploring our website, attending our talks and webinars, or even visiting us in person at our demonstration gardens and farmers' markets. The results speak for themselves: with an impressive open rate of 60-65%, our readers are truly engaged and eager to grow alongside us!
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Creating “News to Grow By” is a collaborative and uplifting process. About 45-60 days before each issue, our editors Robin Mitchell and Hedwig Van Den Broeck invite the editorial team to a Zoom brainstorming session. Here, UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County gather to share ideas and discuss fresh topics. We’re always thrilled to welcome new voices, and you don’t need to be an experienced writer or editor to participate—just bring your ideas, enthusiasm, and passion for gardening!
After brainstorming, writers have around three weeks to draft their articles, which then go through our collaborative editing process. Once complete, Robin and Hedwig bring it all together, creating web pages and the Constant Contact email to share our latest issue. Et voila! Another impactful issue of “News to Grow By” is ready to inspire our readers.
Join Us!
Would you like to help shape the voice and vision of our newsletter? Join us next time for one of our lively brainstorming sessions! These meetings are fun, energizing, and an inspiring way to connect with fellow garden enthusiasts. And if you’re curious about past issues, all current and previous issues are available on our website.
We’d love to have you on board! Let's grow together, one newsletter at a time.