Clarkston Community Garden Achieves Record-Breaking 6,000-Pound Harvest, Supporting Local Food Bank Efforts!

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Clarkston Community Garden Achieves Record-Breaking 6,000-Pound Harvest, Supporting Local Food Bank Efforts!

The Clarkston Community Garden has been flourishing, producing over 6,000 pounds of fresh produce this past year. It began in 2011 as a project to engage students in gardening. Today, it’s a vibrant space for everyone, regardless of gardening experience.

John Freeman, the Vice-President of the garden, emphasizes its community spirit. “There’s a wealth of gardening knowledge here. Whatever questions people have, there’s no shortage of answers,” he says.

The garden features 57 rentable plots for community members who want to grow their own food. The hard work of board members and volunteers allows them to donate much of what they grow to the Asotin County Food Bank. Board Secretary Julie Kammers highlights the importance of their mission: “With rising prices, food insecurity is a big issue. We strive to provide fresh produce for our neighbors.”

This year marked a milestone. Innovative gardening techniques helped them succeed. For instance, using shade cloth over tomatoes kept them cooler and allowed for better watering practices. This led to an impressive 1,200 pounds of tomatoes—alongside a variety of other fruits and vegetables like squash and watermelons. Reflecting on past challenges, they also managed to overcome a flea beetle infestation that had threatened their yields.

Rick Adams, the garden’s President, attributes their success to the volunteers. “The more people we have helping out, the more we can grow,” he says. He encourages anyone to join and discover how much food can be grown in a small plot.

Karen Adams, a dedicated volunteer, enjoys helping others learn. “It feels good to support people and share knowledge. There’s always a place for everyone to contribute, no matter their age or experience,” she shares.

John Freeman makes sure the garden stays well-watered, while Julie Kammers works tirelessly behind the scenes applying for grants to sustain their initiative. “I love this community, and this garden brings people together,” she states.

The garden opens its doors to volunteers on Tuesdays during the growing season and Fridays for harvesting. Plus, mark your calendars: on May 3rd, they’ll hold a plant sale from 8 AM to 2 PM. This helps support operating costs and continue their great work for the community.

In a time when many are facing challenges in accessing fresh food, the Clarkston Community Garden is a beacon of hope and collaboration. As more people get involved, the impact grows, proving that community-driven efforts can make a real difference. For more insights into community gardening and its benefits, visit this trusted source.



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