Plano Community Garden
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As I was brainstorming content for National Nutrition Month, a thought crossed my mind—“what if I featured a community garden for our readers?” I quickly began researching and came across the Plano Community Garden. For those of you all who are familiar with the Plano Community Garden, feel free to scroll on to our fun pictures! However, if you have never heard of Plano Community Garden, keep reading!
The Plano Community Garden was started in 2005 as a cooperative project between the City of Plano and the Junior League of Collin County. The project’s objective is to alleviate hunger in the community. It is located at 4030-B West Plano Parkway, next door to the City of Plano’s Animal Shelter. The Plano Community Garden contains over 50 raised beds, small orchards, and a delicious smelling herb garden. The Plano Community Garden donates much of their harvest to the Plano Food Pantry, Seven Loaves Food Pantry, and Minnie’s Food Pantry.
The best thing about the community garden is that you don’t need to have a large plot of personal land to garden your own food! You can adopt a plot, plant whatever you like, and keep half of your harvest while donating the other half to those in need. Best of all, first year gardeners have a mentor that will guide new gardeners on plot care and planting seasons.
Interested in adopting a plot?
Adopting a plot is free! The City of Plano provides the beds, basic fencing, soil, compost, mulch, and water. You just provide your dedication & time, as well as your seeds. But you’ll want to contact the Plano Community Garden coordinator to signal your interest. All new gardeners are assigned a garden mentor for your first year and are expected to attend their monthly workdays.
My Visit
I met with Erin, the City of Plano Environmental Education Coordinator, for a tour of the garden (thank you, Erin!). Not only did I learn about the garden’s history and mission, but I also was able to taste-test fresh vegetables such as asparagus, spinach, green onions, and radishes!
What I really took away from my visit is how passionate Erin and the Plano Community Garden’s volunteers are. It is clear they strive to educate the community about gardening. Whether it’s in a 5 gallon bucket at your apartment or through your gardening plot- they want you to be successful. If you have children who want to cultivate a green thumb or if you are looking for a way to get involved in your community while reaping some of the tasty benefits, I urge you to check out the Plano Community Garden!
For more information, please contact the Plano Community Garden coordinator at [email protected] or 972-769-4228.
