Katie’s Krops gardeners don’t always plant in their backyards or schoolyards. Some, like 10-year-old Isaiah Enterline and his 7-year-old sister Grace, make the most of whatever space is available. For them, that space is at their church—Solomon’s United Church of Christ in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania—where they tend four 2’x8’ garden beds and are excited to add a fifth this season, thanks to a win in a contest we hold throughout the season for our Growers.
Church member Julie Emig first discovered Katie’s Krops about four years ago while helping launch a community garden at Solomon’s, which now includes over 20 plots maintained by local residents. Inspired by her son’s work with kids’ gardens in Chicago and a desire to involve youth at their own church, Julie found Katie’s Krops while researching youth-led gardening initiatives—and the rest is history.

Isaiah, the youth lead Grower, impressed us with his gardening skills, earning him the title of 2024 Rookie Gardener of the Year. Alongside their mom, Kathleen, who serves as their primary adult supporter, Isaiah and Grace—joined by other young volunteers—donated over 300 pounds of fresh produce in 2024. Most of the food came from their church garden, with extra contributions from their home garden and neighboring community plots. Their harvest includes beets, radishes, cucumbers, peas, strawberries, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. All of it goes to local food pantries, including The Gleaning Project, which runs a daily produce stand sharing surplus crops from farmers and gardeners. This year, the young gardeners are also contributing to their church’s blessing box, which now includes a refrigerator—perfect for storing freshly picked radishes and strawberries.

Their gardening journey hasn’t been without challenges: drought, persistent weeds, hungry bunnies, and whiteflies that damaged their brassicas. While a row cover helped protect the plants, strong winds sent it flying. Thankfully, their dad found it in a nearby field—although the stakes were lost. This time, they’re using heavy rocks to keep it grounded.
In addition to the vegetables, they also have a butterfly garden with many colorful pollinators, encouraging beneficial insects to help keep the destructiveones away. They work in the garden weekly with other children, helping regularly. Isaiah is happy to do so because he enjoys giving back to thecommunity and appreciates gardening. Grace also likes giving flowers.
The church continues to create opportunities for other children to get involved. During their Weekend of Wonders on the second Saturday of each month, six or seven children join in to help with whatever the garden needs—from planting to weeding.
Katie’s Krops is proud to support Isaiah, Grace, and all the young gardeners at Solomon’s United Church of Christ as they grow food, give back, and blossom alongside their gardens.
