“In light of the economy, it was a good idea to restart the program,” said Brent Merriman, assistant city manager.
The plots, which are $13 to rent — about 20-by-12 feet — are planted with corn and other plants. Merriman estimated that about 20 plots out a possible 60 are being used.
Merriman said residents had asked about the program, which had been offered in the past, and Xenia decided to relaunch the program. However, it got a late start this year.
The city announced the availability of plots in early June. Next year, the city would like to announce the program earlier, perhaps in mid-May. The garden is located in West Side Park.
“We thought with the recession that is ongoing, gardening is a cheap way to grow your own food,” he said.
Due to budget constraints, the city offered fewer recreation programs this year. Merriman described the community garden as a passive program offered to residents.
However, there are restrictions. Growers are not allowed to use pesticides or herbicides. Residents who had questions about growing organically were referred to the Ohio State University Extension Office.
Merriman said the participants are mostly older, but there’s “a fair mix of people.”
Water is available to gardeners, but the city does not offer assistance in maintaining the gardens.
Residents are responsible for tending the plots.
A maintenance worker inadvertently mowed one garden that had become overgrown with weeds, Merriman said.
The city apologized to the resident, Merriman said.
About the Author