The Texas County Extension Center is developing the possibility of creating a community garden.
The location would be at the new office site, 1418 S. Sam Houston Blvd, at the Loretto House property. Volunteers are being recruited to engage in this healthy, educational adventure. A planning committee needs to be formed to begin the process of making arrangements for preparing the soil, procure seeds and/or plants, tools for cultivating, schedules for proper care of the garden and distribution of the harvest possibilities as well as other necessary decisions for a successful program. Potential grant funding to cover expenses is being researched.
The benefits of a community garden would include: education for children and/or adults who would like to learn about gardening as well as proper, safe food preservation; the financial benefits of producing nutritious food to help stretch food dollars; provide physical activity; possible entrepreneur options for local farmers market; and fresh healthy produce to be shared with local entities such as the Texas County Food Pantry, The Gentry Residential Center and other similar organizations.
Nutrition and Health Education Specialist and County Program Director, Cammie Younger, and the Extension Council members are excited about the possibilities of a community project such as this. Younger says she realizes that time is of the essence for a summer garden harvest and invites folks to respond as soon as possible, and she is keeping in mind that a fall garden harvest may be the best option for this year with plans for an earlier start next year. Either way, she says now is the time to get started.
If you or someone you know would be interested in exploring this project, contact the Texas County Extension Center at 417-967-4545.