While community gardening is not a new concept, we've found that, for Tuscarawas county, the idea is met with confusion. In a historically rural area like ours, many people don't understand the need for a community garden and what it does.
These Frequently Asked Questions should explain things. Please feel free to contact us with any other questions.
What is a community garden?
Community gardens mean many things to many people. For some, a community garden is a place to grow food, flowers and herbs in the company of friends and neighbors. For others, its a place to reconnect with nature or learn a new skill. Some look to it as a way to mentor others or get physical exercise. Yet, others use a community garden simply because they lack the space or permission to have a garden at their residence.
What are the rewards of gardening at Planting the Seeds Community Garden?
Many of the rewards are obvious -- food producution, nutrition, exercise, environmental benefits, spending time with family and friends. Other benefits include building a sense of community through a shared activity, reducing stress, providing skills that can alleviate the stress on food budgets, giving back to the community in a way that our children can see as tangible, and many others. Above all, community gardening can provide a real sense of satisfaction and accomplishment for all involved.
How does gardening at Planting the Seeds Community Garden work?
After signing up, you will be assigned a plot of land 9' by 11' at the garden to be your garden. What you choose to plant is up to you. How you choose to plant it is up to you. It's your garden as long as you attend to it and not abandon it.
What if I can't get to the Garden every day?
You don't have to be at the Garden every day. Two or three times a week will suffice. Vegetable gardens don't need watered every day -- doing so may actually impede healthy growth. As long as you can get yourself or give permission to another gardener to pull weeds, secure rambling plants to supports, water and other needs on a regular basis a few times a week, you'll be fine.
I understand part of the mission of Planting the Seeds Community Garden is to provide fresh produce to some local food pantries. How much of a donation is required?
The only thing that is asked of every gardener in the Garden is to make regular donations of good produce to the combined food pantry donation. How much is up to you. Some gardeners may choose to give it all. While others may need the produce more at home and only wish to give a couple things. There's a satisfaction that is contagious to helping others. Simply planting a second tomato plant or an extra cucumber seed can make a huge difference in the life of those who rely on the food pantry to help feed their families. If you're already growing one, how hard is it to take care of a second one?
Why is there a rental fee?
All gardens require upkeep. Your yearly membership fee into the garden helps pay for tangible items such as fencing to keep animals out, mulches and compost that are shared, water and things like the liability insurance and other overhead. No one is paid to run the Garden, everyone here is donating their time to make things run smoothly.
What if I know nothing about gardening?
Everyone had to start somewhere! Do you want to learn? We have partnered with the Tuscarawas county public library to provide gardening classes that are free to the public. Mentors will be on hand as well as resources such as this blog and our Facebook page. Another partnership with the Healthy Tusc coalition means that experts such as those at the Ohio State University Cooperative Extension will be available for assistance. Plus, we'll be a community made up of various levels of expertise from seasoned to newbie, and we'll help one another.
Are children permitted at the Garden?
Children are naturals in the garden and love to be involved in all aspects of gardening. Children are always welcome when properly supervised. Our garden is located on the beautiful Faith Christian Church grounds complete with a small playground, soccer fields, picnic pavilion, restrooms (when someone from the church is on grounds) and plenty of room to play and explore. We do have a creek and a pond on-site, so be advised that children must be supervised for their safety. Faith Christian Church and Planting the Seeds Community Garden will not be held responsible.
Do I have to attend Faith Christian Church to use the Garden?
No, our community garden members are not required to hold any church membership and whether and where you go to church is not of importance to us. A love of gardening and a desire to be a productive member of the garden community and community at large is all we require. Faith Christian Church is an important partner in our venture and all people are welcome to check out what the church has to offer -- or not. You decide.
