Community Garden

The Parks and Recreation Department of Marquette, Michigan has a great program that I have taken part in several times over the past few years. For a nominal fee you rent a plot of land in the rear of the local cemetery that you can use to grow food. They provide composted manure and some tools, but you do all the work and you are expected to volunteer for the Community Garden several times through the Summer. Since our growing season here does not begin until the second week of June I have not started yet this year, but here are few things that I have done in the past.

There is usually at least one handicap accessible elevated bed. I have assisted in the pruning and care of the plants in this bed, I have assisted with maintenance of the community plot (used to feed others in the community), have done the dirty work (digging, hoeing, etc.) for the elderly, and I just generally give a hand when I am there.

While spending time on my plot I talk with others to learn their methods and share my methods to better use the space we are provided with and to produce a greater amount of food.