Consider Community Gardens

Posted by Jamie McIntosh Jul 9, 2008

According to an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, interest in community gardens is increasing. The high cost of food and concerns about food borne illness have heightened the participation in community garden plots.

Community gardens offer local residents a plot of land, access to a water spigot, and sometimes, even seeds, plants, or compost to encourage green thumbs. Community gardens are perfect for apartment dwellers or homeowners with shaded lots not suitable for growing sun-loving vegetables.

Before my sons were born, I had the privilege of participating in a nearby community garden. It gave me the advantage of additional room to experiment with vegetable varieties I didn’t have room to grow on my property. I appreciated the free water the city provided, and I would hook up my sprinkler to irrigate the garden while I went for a brisk walk in the neighboring park.

If you want to claim a plot in your local community garden, call now, as there may be a waiting list. Ask the garden supervisor about herbicide and pesticide regulations for the community garden, as you don’t want any chemicals drifting into your organic plot.

Consider extending the notion of community involvement by planting a row of vegetables for your local food bank, as donations frequently drop in summer months.