UPDATE: The first day of planting for the Community Garden has been postponed until May 16 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. due to weather.
Volunteers work in the garden during a 2014 planting day.
The Community Garden commences its 11th season with a first planting May 10.
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Planting will begin at 9 a.m. May 10 and continue for much of the day until the planting is done, weather permitting. Those interested in helping out are welcome to come when they can and stay for as long as they like, said Tracy Ore, garden organizer.
A second planting is set for 9 a.m. May 16. The garden is about 8,000 square feet near the corner of Fifth Avenue South and Fifth Street South.
“Children are welcome in the garden,” said Ore, a sociology professor. “We often do special things with children to get them involved in learning how to grow things.”
Participants are asked to come dressed in clothes they can get dirty, but the garden provides tools, gloves and refreshments.
More to know
The garden is open to everyone.
There is no cost to participate.
Garden experience is not required.
Designed to suit all physical abilities.
Gardener members do the planting, weeding and harvesting. They’re expected to work about an hour a week if they would like to take home a share of the produce. Regular work nights are held throughout the season with occasional potlucks.
The garden grows most of the produce that thrives in this temperate zone and is adding sweet potatoes this year.
Also new for 2015 is a row of vegetables garden members are growing for donation to Catholic Charities.
The Community Garden opened in 2005 with the intent to grow community and food. It’s designed as a place for people to meet their neighbors and others in the community.
The garden puts on special programs for pre-schoolers, special needs students and veterans throughout the summer.
The garden was named “Best Community Garden in Minnesota” by WCCO.
“Come and help us grow community,” Ore said. “… The real purpose why we’re there is to bring people together.”
