SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Agriculture is actively seeking individuals or families who are interested in starting their own gardens and learning more about the local foods movement.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Community Garden is located on the infield of the Illinois State Fair Grandstand race track. It features 200 garden plots. Of those plots, 100 are designated for organic gardening, and the remaining 100 plots are assigned for non-organic gardeners.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to get involved in the local foods movement,” said Director Raymond Poe. “If you want to experiment with growing your own tomatoes, sweet corn, pumpkins, or herbs like cilantro, dill, and chives, the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Community Garden offers everything you need to get started.”
Each plot costs $20 and can be tilled for you for an additional $10. The Department will supply water, tools, and compost free of charge. In addition, mentoring will be available from the experts at the University of Illinois Extension. This year, thanks to a generous donation from Big R, several seeds are available for use by our gardeners at the Community Garden.
“The goal of the fairgrounds garden is to give individuals, who do not have space for a garden, a friendly and safe environment to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs and other plants,” said Assistant Director Don Moffitt. “In addition to providing fresh, healthy foods, gardening is an excellent source of exercise for those young and old.”
Those interested in participating in the 2017 growing season are encouraged to fill out a garden application located on Department’s website, http://www.agr.state.il.us/
Weather permitting the Community Garden will open on April 3rd.
If you would like more information about this year’s Community Garden, visit http://www.agr.state.il.us/
SAVE THE DATE
Community Garden Meeting
March 15, 2017
5:30pm
IDOA Auditorium
801 E. Sangamon Ave
Springfield, IL.
— Illinois Department of Agriculture
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