As summer approaches, do you long to savor homegrown tomatoes and other fresh veggies but don’t have enough sun or anywhere suitable to raise a few crops? Or you do have space but aren’t sure what or when or how to plant?
When we think about agriculture, what often comes to mind are images of a farmer riding an old John Deere tractor through rows of crops on a sunny day. I grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm, and I think of my mother’s garden, which must have been one-quarter acre in size! We grew every vegetable, from tomatoes and potatoes to onions, dill and cucumbers. Yet, for those of us living in a suburb or city there are other gardening options.
How about renting a plot at a community garden? Gardening or farming on a small scale in a shared, public space offers fun and fulfillment. Residents have the opportunity to rent garden beds for their own gardening projects, whether it’s growing vegetables, herbs, fruits or perhaps a garden to attract pollinators or a cutting garden. Plus, if you have a question, there’s probably a friendly neighbor who can offer suggestions.
As Master Gardeners, encouraging sustainable practices among consumer horticulturalists is a priority. Proceeds from our annual Garden Faire provide scholarships and benefit community education efforts and project gardens supported by the North Fulton Master Gardeners volunteer organization.
Support for community gardens
At the North Fulton Community Garden in Sandy Springs and the GROWL Garden in College Park, local residents can rent garden plots for growing food and flowers. Here, they have the opportunity to build relationships with other gardeners of all skill levels and attend educational classes offered by UGA Extension faculty, Master Gardener Extension Volunteers and other partners. Through workshops on composting, sustainable pest and disease…
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