Should we try for a community garden plot?

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 02-09-2009, 02:17 PM

I have a square foot garden at home, 6 boxes. Our yard is very shaded and we have had to take down many trees in order to get some sun for a garden. We don't want to take down many more, plus they are all 60 feet or taller, so it would be tricky. I still will garden here, but I really, really want to grow things that need more sun and just more food in general. So I am thinking of trying for a community plot. It would be $!5 for a 20 foot by 20 foot plot. It is not in my town, but the next town over. I would be third on the list, as in town people first, people that had a plot last year second and anyone new third.

It is about 10 minutes from my house, they do have some water (not sure what that means, but the one in my town has no water), and they til for you. But with the time and gas driving there every day, the cost to amend the huge plot, etc I don't know if it is worth it. Would you do it? My dh wants to try to figure out other areas around our yard where we could plant things. It just doesn't get enough sun though. WWYD?

**Missy** · 02-09-2009, 06:40 PM

I would try to garden at home first. Containers somewhere else on the property maybe? Can you split the community garden plot with a friend?

**NewLeaf** · 02-09-2009, 06:59 PM

I have a small garden too. I would go for the community plot if you plan on making good use of it. I would take my kids and get them involved. You could even do a few pumpkin plants!!!

But we don't have community plots around here so I plan on taking out any flowers (except a few favorites) and putting in anything I can. I will use every inch of chain length fence to grow peas or pole beans, cucumbers or squash. I might even try one of those upside down tomatoe plants hanging on my porch.....

**Persimmon Lace** · 02-09-2009, 08:49 PM

I think I would go for it.

**kmeyrick** · 02-10-2009, 07:25 PM

I would do it, depending on how you plan on using it. If you are planning to grow veggies, you may still wind up having a wise investment, for 15 dollars. I second the motion of splitting it with a friend, if you like. Could you tell me how you would need to renovate the plot, precisely? Have you estimated how much that will cost?

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 02-11-2009, 09:13 AM

I would have to amend the soil in the plot, adding compost and peat moss. that is it, but the costs would add up.

I would grow things there that would not need to be picked every day like watermelon, corn and pumpkins. Maybe onions, radishes, carrots, - things that you typically pick once at the end of the growing season. I would use my garden for things that need to be picked everyday like tomatoes, peas, beans, cukes, etc. I have a friend 2 towns over (the plot would be in the middle of us), I was thinking about seeing if she wanted to go in on it with me.

thanks for everyone's input.

**LastDragonfly** · 02-11-2009, 06:44 PM

You could start you a little compost pile at home and amend the soil little by little.

It would be worth a try in my opinion.

**PrairieGirl** · 02-18-2009, 01:43 PM

We had one last year and loved it. The whole vibe there was awesome and there was always someone around who you could ask questions or just admire what is growing.

Ours also hosted a few workshops on composting, sprouting, etc. so it was definitly worth it.

**The Muse** · 02-18-2009, 02:19 PM

My first thought was "go for it" but the water issue would be a dealbreaker for me. If that's not a dealbreaker for you and you have the time to drive over there, go for it.

**Darlene** · 02-18-2009, 03:25 PM

I'd try it. Not only will you be growing veggies you may be reaping the rewards of some new friendships too.

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 02-20-2009, 01:28 PM

Well, I think I am going to try for a plot. Who knows, they might be all gone, but it is worth a shot. It is exciting to think that I will have so much more space to garden and so much more sun too. Thanks everyone!

**nancycg56** · 02-20-2009, 01:48 PM

I'd give it a shot! I was just trying to figure out what part of the yard to dig up to expand my garden...I don't know if DH is going to go for it though.

**xiwang315** · 02-25-2009, 12:23 AM

Who needs that much velcro?

Why would anyone need that much velcro? These guys sell it by the roll and is
hook and look and velcro the same thing?

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 03-04-2009, 02:43 PM

Well, never mind on that one, they don't have any plots left. Thanks for the input though.

**LuvMyHubby** · 03-08-2009, 01:05 PM

We are in a bit of the same situation, not only do we rent, so digging up extensive amounts of our lawn area would be huge no-no but we also have huge trees blocking the areas that would could grow something like cucumber and tomatoes etc.

We are thinking of trying to do just a couple of containers with whatever would be most useful for us during the summer months. maybe leaf lettuce or spinach and cucumbers/tomatoes or peppers.

However, we also have the college student doing naughty things at night in our back yard area (urinating) and children who run amok, so DH is afraid that if we can get anything to grow will it a. be fit to eat and b. if there will be anything not raided by above two groups.

Ah well, we may try anyhow.