“Growing Together—Marshfield Area Community Gardens, will be ready to “grow” this planting season.

The project is a collaborative effort of Healthy Lifestyles-Marshfield Area Coalition, Marshfield Sustainable Committee, UW Extension Wood County, and involves many gardening supporters.

The First Presbyterian Church in Marshfield has agreed to lease a portion of its property located on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Adler Road, for $1 per year, for a minimum of five years. The property will be fenced off and filled with approximately 40 “square-foot” raised, four-by-eight-foot garden beds.

Gardeners will be instructed in growing their own vegetables using the square-foot gardening method. In addition, gardeners will be offered classes in organic gardening, harvesting and preparing and/or preserving their crops.

The mission of Growing Together Gardens is to:

• Promote and support local food production.
• Learn and share gardening techniques
• Provide a place in which to garden for those who otherwise would not have the opportunity.

Plots will first be offered to those who expressed an interest in the project through the community garden survey, with additional plots to be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. An orientation session for gardeners is planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12. This orientation will cover the square foot gardening method and is open to the public. Please bring a lawn chair as the orientation will be held outside, weather permitting.

Representatives are currently accepting donations to help in the effort to provide compost, perimeter fencing, signage and one raised table-height bed. Work dates have also been scheduled from 9 a.m. – noon on Saturdays, April 25, May 2 and May 9. Volunteers are welcome to assist with building and filling beds, constructing fencing and other tasks.

For more information, to inquire about reserving a bed, to donate or volunteer, contact Ashley Meissner, Healthy Lifestyles Prevention Specialist at 715.221.8420.