Pottstown couple shares their garden’s bounty with neighbors

When the coronavirus pandemic put the world on lockdown, many people decided it was a good time to plant gardens, especially vegetable gardens, to become a little more self-sufficient when it came to their food supply.

Even for longtime gardeners like Stephen Toroney and his wife, Barb, of Pottstown, it’s a good feeling to see their plants thrive during this time of uncertainty.

“I’ve been gardening since I was about 5 years old and have always enjoyed it,” Stephen, 66, wrote in an email. “This year it is extra special seeing our garden starting to flourish as the world is in some sort of lockdown.

“I don’t need a mask, or gloves, (work gloves however), and I can get side by side with my plants ... no social distancing!”

The Toroneys grow tomatoes, string beans, peas, cucumbers, squash, zucchine, onions, garlic, potatoes and peppers.

They are happy to share what they harvest with their neighbors.

“We are and have always been giving individuals,” Stephen said. “There are two of us, and we have plants that will provide enjoyment for many of our neighbors.

“They were happy to see that I was able to get plants to do a garden this year.”

When it comes to the neighborhood critters, though, that’s where the couple’s generosity stops.

Stephen said even though their yard is fenced in, he has to cover most of the plants to stop the squirrels and rabbits from eating them.

Of all the veggies he grows, Stephen said he’s partial to tomatoes.

“That first ripe tomato of the season is the best,” he said.

His small garden gives him a greater appreciation for farmers.

“My hat’s off to the farmers who provide most of our food,” Stephen said. “Unless you garden even on a small scale, we have no idea how hard their jobs are.”

The Toroneys have been recognized for their gardening efforts beyond their neighborhood.

“Over the years we have entered our garden in our local garden club contests, and the two times we entered, we received a firstplace and a second-place ribbon, mainly due to the variety of plants we have in a small patch,” Stephen said.

In addition to the wildlife who want to nibble their plants, Stephen said other problems they encounter are weeds getting out of hand and weather that’s too dry or too wet, or too hot or too cold.

In addition to the vegetable garden, Stephen said he also enjoys growing roses.

COURTESY OF STEPHEN TORONEY Stephen Toroney and his wife, Barb, planted tomatoes, string beans, peas, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, onions, garlic, potatoes and pepper in the backyard garden at their Pottstown home.