Community Gardens Come to Sartell

Many people love to garden and raise their own fresh fruits and vegetables. However, they can lack the space and necessary growing conditions, as well as the knowledge of how to garden to yield the best results. Community gardens are seeing a resurgence in popularity and thanks to cities like Sartell, people are able to enjoy gardening and its healthy rewards.

What’s Your Favorite Garden Vegetable?

According to Stearns County SHIP, Statewide Health Improvement Program, many people now have the opportunity to learn about gardening and grow their own food.

In the fall of 2009, the city of Sartell opened a community garden with 36 plots. In April 2010, with the support of SHIP and other local funding, the city tilled the original garden plus two larger gardens for the Sartell-St. Stephen Community Education program. A chain link fence was also installed to protect the gardens. Residents planting their own fruits and vegetables will result in sustainability and healthier eating.

Sartell-St. Stephen School District and Community Education will then have the opportunity to teach youth and families about growing their own food. Additionally, a second and third location are being considered and may be added in 2011. Having the community gardens will address the needs of many residents. For more information on community gardens in Sartell contact Therese Haffner at therese@sartellmn.com or (320) 258-7316.

Do you use a community garden? We’d love to hear from you in our comments section. If there are still open plots at the community garden you use, please share contact information below.

photo credit: artfulgourmetnyc