I’m really excited to be involved with a new gardening project for 2011. And it’s pretty interesting how it all came about.
Back early this year, my wife and I visited a local craft show to do some research on soapers. We wanted to see what others were making, and buy some homemade soaps to test them out. We found quite a few that were selling soap, and came home with several bars. It wasn’t long before we were making our own soaps, and having a lot of fun in the process.
Fast forward a couple of months, and my wife is looking for subjects for her newspaper column called Telling Your Story. She decided to write about two of the local soapers we met at the craft show. While doing the interview, they wound up talking about gardening. One of the women had an idea for a project that she and her husband had been kicking around for some time. He is the director of Impact Ministries, an inner-city ministry launched back in 1989 that strives to empower and educate youth and adults.
Lynda and I met with Greg and Mary last month for a brainstorming session. The idea we came up with was a vegetable garden where 6-8 families would share gardening chores in return for a share of the garden output. Sort of like a CSA model of sharing whatever veggies are grown, except instead of paying money upfront the familes would agree to put in about an hour a week of garden work throughout the growing and harvesting season.
I think this program has a lot to be excited about. Not only will the families get to share in the fresh vegetables, but everyone involved will have a chance to learn about gardening and how vegetables grow. And of course it’s another way for Impact to build relationships with its people. They’ve already found seven families interested in participating in the project.
I’ve volunteered to share some of my gardening knowledge, as well as supply some plants and the use of my tiller. I figure I can spare a few hours a week on this project. I’ve already begun the task of site preparation. They have an area approximately 30 by 60 feet, which should make for a nice sized garden. After I get the ground broken up, we will do a soil test and see what amendments are necessary. I’m guessing lime and lots of organic material will be needed.
site of future garden spot
I’m sure I will be writing more about this project in the months ahead. There will be lots of planning, and lots of fun things to talk about!
I’ll be interested in seeing what happens with your project!
I like these sorts of projects. There are similar community effort-type gardens here, and an excellent opportunity for people to be able to grow produce, who might not otherwise have the space, or the skills to do so. it’s a great way to help reconnect people to where their food comes from (other than a store shelf). I look forward to seeing how this project comes together!
This is such an excellent idea! I can’t wait to read more about the progress of this project.
Nice.
So nice i had to comment ; )
Looking forward to hearing more about this project in the months to come.
How exciting, nothing makes me happier than seeing lawn turned into a food providing garden. This will so wonderful to follow along with!!
That is Wonderful! I can sense your excitement and appears you have already dug into the project – wishing you much success and I will be watching how all is progressing along!
That sounds like a wonderful project. I’ll enjoy reading about it as it happens.
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