2015 Community Garden Plots Available – Seed Library Restocked

Community Garden ready for plowing.

As Community Garden Clean Up Day wrapped up on Sunday, the garden is now ready to tilled, the last step before plots will be open to gardeners to start planting. If you are interested in having a plot in  the community garden this summer, you can download a form here: 2015 MCG application. You can also pick up a physical copy at the library front desk or at the CRC office.

Gardeners have 4 choices in plot size: large plot (20’x20′) for $40, medium plot (10’x10′) for $15, small raised bed (4’x4′) for $10 or extended raised bed (4’x8′) (4′ high for those with physical limitations) for $20. The price is a one time charge for the whole summer. If you are interested in gardening but the cost is prohibitive for you, the fee can be waived – stop by the CRC office to ask about this.

The Community Garden is relatively new and each year the Community Garden Committee works to improve it. Two years ago they had problems with the deer so last summer they upgraded the fence and had almost no animal trouble. Last year they had weed trouble and disease from over watering. This year they are changing the way watering will work to address this.

If you are a gardener, whether you garden at the Community Gardeners or somewhere else, consider using the seed library housed at the Manchester Library near the front desk. Seeds are free and anyone can use it regardless of whether you have a library card. Everyone can take whatever they will plant. You are just asked to donate any unused or partially used seed packets you aren’t going to plant or any extra seeds you’ve saved you aren’t going to use. As long as the seeds are 5 years old or newer you can donate them and feel good knowing they are going to be planted.

The seed library had gotten very low as the weather turned warm and everyone’s minds turned to gardening, but last week the Community Garden Committee stocked it with 57 brand new un-opened vegetable seed packets and has committed to donating 80 more shortly.

Do you have questions about the community garden? Email Ruth at dutchgardenpartner@gmail.com or call 428-9461 and ask for Andy. Do you have questions abut the seed library? Email sara@frogfuz.com. 

Manchester Seed Library located in the Manchester District Library is a source for free seeds.

You can donate your unopened and partially used commercial seed packets and seeds you save yourself as long as they are 5 years old or newer.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.