Why community gardening?
1) Help beautify your community
2) Get the nutrition you need & enjoy tastier food!
3) Save money
4) Protect future generations
5) Prevent soil erosion
6) Protect water quality
7) Save energy
8) Keep chemicals off your plate
9) Protect farm workers & help small farmers
10) Promote biodiversity

How do these gardens build community?
Community gardens foster the development of community identity and spirit. Gardens have the ability to evolve into cultural spaces, flower gardens, and areas for community get-togethers and festivals. Community garden spaces also allow for interaction with nature and the productive use of land.

How do community gardens improve people's quality of life?
Gardens, parks and other open spaces improve the quality of life for everyone. Community gardens create open space in city neighborhoods where green space is in shortest supply. Within high-density development, community gardens improve air quality, reduce noise and air pollution, and create environments hospitable to plants and animal species.

When to plant in Western Massachusetts
Planting begins as early as April 1 for plants such as: broccoli, kale, lettuce, parsley, onion, and potatoes. In general, vegetables are planted late April to mid-June.

Who should I contact to learn more?
Southside Community Land Trust runs workshops and offers a wealth of resources about growing food in the urban environment.

-- Hillary Anderson