Getting the Garden Ready

Way back in June, after a huge clean up in May to prepare the area, we began working on transforming the space.  Thanks to groups from Alter High School and the Christian Life Center, things began to move.  Then came along a permaculture graduate student and an undergraduate student studying sustainability to lead this first phase…and so we begin.

What we have learned so far is that there are many ways to urban garden.  Because of the very nature of cities, there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a plethora of solutions and practices that are undertaken by individuals, communities, cooperatives and businesses alike. The objective is to have another alternative to the long-standing practice of trucking in the food to cities, city dwellers are taking matters into their own hands to produce local and sustainable food.

What are the Main Benefits to Urban Gardening?

… to build Character and Connect Community…. and…..

• Freshness – As anyone who has ever eaten a tomato right off the vine, nothing beats eating ripe produce as soon as possible.
• Sustainability – Eating local is one of the best things we can all do for the planet and avoiding transportation energy costs is one of the main reasons why.
• Access to Quality Food – Most of our neighbors in the MacFarlane neighborhood (45402) do not have access to high quality, affordable fresh fruits and vegetables and a community garden can make all the difference in the world to them.
• Quality of Life – Urban farming can help strengthen communities, give folks a sense of accomplishment, offer benefits of exercise, build on community and individual resourcefulness, take advantage of unused resources, add more green space and more….