A movement is underway to have a Community Garden this year where area residents who lack a planting space, but desire to grow vegetables for the dinner table will be able to see that dream come to reality.

Linda Nowakowski shared information regarding the planning of the garden and the hopes of acquiring grant funding for the project. Nowakowski and her fellow committee members are working with The Ohio State Agricultural Extension office in Clark County to make plans for the garden design. The SEEDS Program will be working with the New Carlisle project by teaching classes, providing seeds for the garden space and helping to monitor the program.

The garden has a space provided by the city. The raised bed garden would be located on land that is just east of the former New Carlisle Elementary School located on West Madison Street.

The planning is in the phase where the committee is seeking support in the way of services, in-kind donations and money from local businesses and organizations.

In the planning, the committee would like to see individuals have their own plot while others will benefit from the community plot. The plan is to grow enough produce to be able to sell at the local farmer’s market to help finance the garden expenses. They would also like to see some of the produce donated to the local food bank.

Nowakowski noted in the information provided to the New Carlisle News that a local nursery business owner is meeting with the committee and has committed to providing starter plants for the garden this year.

The raised beds are expected to be organic gardens this year. The mound beds are planned as the cost of boxes for the beds is not in the budget this inaugural year. The committee believes that they may need to obtain fencing due to the wild animals that may visit the gardens in the remote location.

Water for the garden will be provided by the City of New Carlisle. They hope is to obtain a number of large storage units that will allow for storing water closer to the site of the garden.

For individuals who plan to apply for a single space will need to maintain their own garden spot. The common area will be worked by individuals who would be willing to volunteer. Anyone who does not maintain their individual garden spot would forfeit the space back to the community group.

The space being provided by the city is estimated at .28 acres this year. Expansion would depend on many factors, but for 2016 this is a very good start.

Additional information on how to request a space will be forthcoming as planning continues. If you are a business or organization who would like to support the community garden project, you can contact the City Offices to leave your name and contact number.