4-H club creating community garden

    PRESQUE ISLE , Maine— A local 4-H club is looking for the public’s assistance in getting an idea they have for a community garden to grow over the summer.
“This garden is being done by the Presque Isle Clover Kids 4-H Club. We are working with the Presque Isle Housing Authority who have donated the use of their land next to the Birch Street Community Center (at the west end of Birch Street). Our goal is to offer the opportunity and ability to have a garden to people who may not currently have the space or knowledge. We particularly want to focus on individuals and families that may be in economic situations that make it difficult for them to access fresh produce,” said Christa Galipeau, the club’s leader.
Galipeau said the garden will be approximately 30 by 60 feet in total size.
“This area will then be sectioned off into 4- by 8-feet garden plots that people will be able to register for. Individuals and families that live in the Housing Authority housing will receive one plot at no cost. Other citizens can register for a plot for $20,” Galipeau said.
Registering for a space or spaces will begin on March 14 at 10 a.m. at the Birch Street Community Center. An informational meeting will also be held that day. Galipeau said there are no guidelines or restrictions on what’s grown.
“People can register for as many plots as they like and can grow whatever they want. Each person will be in charge of their own plot. We will also be providing seminars and workshops in April and May on how to start seedlings at home, how to plan out your garden, garden techniques, how to build a pallet garden and other topics,” she said.
Professionals are also being enlisted to help educate the public.
“We will have a master gardener trained by the Cooperative Extension Service come in to do some of these talks. Registrants will also receive free seeds, an information sheet on how to grow various crops and other items to assist with their gardens,” said Galipeau. “We will also provide a seminar in the fall on how best to preserve food from the gardens. We encourage that excess garden products be donated to local charities.”
Galipeau said the club is currently looking for help breaking ground, once the snow melts and the ground thaws.
“We are seeking a local person who would be willing to do the initial groundbreaking for us with a plow. We then will till the ground and put in walkways. The 4-H Club will also be building a compost bin using pallets and a rain barrel to provide water,” she said.
But to make this all happen, Galipeau said funds are needed.
“We are looking for funding to help us put a fence around our garden, purchase a tiller and a garden shed. We currently have a gofundme.com account. Just search for ‘Presque Isle Community Garden.’ Also, our 4-H Club will be selling flower bulbs and seeds in March to help raise money to buy these items,” said Galipeau.
Anyone interested in the garden, donating to the project, or for more information, call Galipeau at 764-0998 or email galipeauchrista@gmail.com.