Preserving

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Community Garden Plots

I have been on the waiting list at one of the local Community Gardens since late last spring. New applicants were supposed to get their applications before the end of the year. I had talked to the woman who handles the paperwork for the plots a couple of times this past year.....I really wanted to make sure that we would be able to get a plot or two!! She had informed me that someone else would be handling it this year. However, I would still receive my application at the end of December. When I did not receive an application last week, I decided to call her office. To make a long story short, I was told the the gardens would now be handled by our county Farmland Preservation and given a phone number and a person to talk to.

Well, I am going to deliver my paperwork and check to her on Monday or Tuesday. "The Italian" and I have looked at the gardens and the abandoned plots a couple of times. Today, we decided that we better go look at them again before I submit the paperwork and preferred plot numbers to her this week.

Here are the plots that should be available for next year. Although it is one plot per household, we are going to get two for the family. You are allowed to get plots for other family members in the county. Since, these gardens will provide bulk produce for our family, my FIL is applying for one.

Each plot is about 20' x 30'


These are plots 62 & 61. Although these two plots do not have much fencing, they are not severely overgrown. We won't have to spend as much time clearing. We will, however, have to spend time and money on fencing and setting up a structure and rain barrel set-up. These two plots are side by side....making them about 40' wide by 30' deep. Our number 2 choice....we think.


These are plots 17 & 16. The picture on the left is plot 17 at the bottom and the picture on the right is the right side of 17 & 16. These plots are end to end, making them about 20' wide by 60' deep.

More pictures of plots 17 & 16.

The picture on the left is part of the left side and the picture on the right is the top of plot 16. We really looked at these two plots. The fencing is great and there is also very small fencing at the bottom to keep the bunnies out. There are many rain barrels, a structure, table, shovel and many other useful items left by the previous gardeners. I didn't see anything that would have contaminated the ground. These two plots will take some time to clean out....but, they are our first choice.


These are pictures of plots 9 - 13. The picture on the left is of 11, 12 & 13 and the end of 10. The picture on the right is plot 9. All of these plots are side by side. It's hard to tell if the one was used this year or not. These are our last choice. We will, however take what we can get.

What are your thoughts???? I would love some input.

                                                            

12 comments:

  1. I'm thinking 16 and 17. Most of the structure is already there for you so it's more about cleaning up and planting. I see some nice flowers growing around the garden gate ;-)

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  2. I agree with Liisa. With the fencing already in, there's just grunt work left to do.

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  3. I definitely agree.. go with the plots that have the most structure already in place... I can't believe how large some of the community gardens are out there! My community plot was one single raised bed, 4x12... Use it all to your advantage!!!

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  4. Yep, I like 16 & 17 too. Lots of helpful structure and fencing are in place. Community plots here in Nebraska are only 4X8 or maybe 4X12. The biggest advocate of the community gardens here are the Churches that have extra unused land near the church. I thought it was a great idea for use of the land. The cost is usually only a promise not to waste any produce but give the exta to the food kitchens. How great is that?

    Have a great community garden day.

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  5. I also like 16 and 17 particularly because they are joined on the length. That will make working the soil easier. I would not agree to 16 and 17 until you verify that the rain barrels are good enough for use. If they don't hold water, that means more work for you to dispose of them, and you STILL have to get rain barrels. Whichever ones you choose, I would immediately get the debris from previous growth out of there just in case there are bugs or their eggs wintering over in it. Good Luck and keep us posted on your decision.

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  6. I like 16 an 17 because, as others commented, they have fencing, so less money to invest. They also look to me as that they are abandoned for longer time than 61 and 62. That means more work, but also that means that you can be sure that no chemicals were used there for longer time.
    I think that you have to see also which shape 40x30 or 60x20 fits your needs better. I would here prefer 40x30 one. Difficult choice!
    I hope you will get the garden and if you get a chance to choose a plot, even better! Good luck!!!

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  7. I'm with everyone else. Fencing is the worst aspect of any gardening project and with this in place, it makes the job so much easier. Don't be daunted by the weedy growth. I cleared a 40 x 40 foot garden by myself--a bit here and a bit there.
    I'll be wishing you the Best of luck in getting your plots!

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  8. Thanks everyone for all of your input. It has been really helpful. I will be dropping my paperwork off today and hopefully get a chance to talk to the women in charge of the gardens.

    This will be a big project to get going and the sooner the better!!

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  9. Robin, anything with some of the work already completed would certainly be my vote. You have enough to do ahead with the clearing and tilling... thus, 16, 17. oops, should have read the other comments. ;) We'll be thinking good thoughts for you on the garden space.

    Happy New Year Robin! May you and your family have a wonderful year of good health and many blessings. And thank you for being a part of our 2010.

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  10. I'd go with the one with the best fencing too. I hope you get the ones you want.

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  11. I dropped off my paperwork on Monday and the woman was off that day. I will give her a week before I call and will post an update.

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  12. How exciting! Sometimes I wish I had a plot at a community garden. I'm sure the camaraderie you get from working alongside other gardeners will make the work seem less hard.

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