Do you want to grow vegetables, but don’t have enough space in your yard? Want to learn more about gardening from your neighbors? Meet more people in your area? Join a community garden this year.
Santa Fe has eight community gardens. They are gardens that are divided into individual plots of approximately 10’x12′ but will vary between locations. They have five to thirty-five plots in each garden. Each plot is leased to families or people in the neighborhood for an annual fee of $15-$25. They are open from April to October or some locations may be open year-round. Garden members have access to their plot during the garden season.
The Parks Division has opened four gardens in city parks in the past few years. There are also gardens on privately owned land that are 15 years old. Two more gardens are planning to open in Tierra Contenta this year in Plaza Contenta and at the Zona del Sol location as Earth Care builds youth, community and education gardens. Despite the differences, the gardens all operate in a similar way. Residents can join the gardens in March and April. Each garden has a group of neighbors that coordinates the community, plans activities and may offer classes.
Here is a list of garden contacts:
1. The City of Santa Fe Community Gardens are Sunny Slope Community Garden, La Familia, Maclovia Community Garden and Frenchy’s Community Garden. Contact Jessie Esparza at 955-2106 for details.
2. Plaza Contenta is opening a community garden in 2012. Contact Dave at 986-2934 or dave@phaseonerealty.com.
3. The El Dorado School Community Garden has a website for more information.
4. The Milagro Community Garden on Rodeo Road is currently accepting new gardeners and has a waiting list. Email milagrocommunitygarden@gmail.com for information.
5. Railyard Park has a website www.railyardpark.org for more information on joining the garden and events and workshops.
Come to Home Grown New Mexico’s March 27th Potluck at 6:30pm at the Santa Fe Complex on Second Street to meet Fabian Chavez and Jessie Esparaza from the Parks Division to discuss community gardens in city parks. Bette Booth from the Community Garden Council will also be available to discuss updates from the spring planning meetings and her experience as a community garden member. Watch our website menu Community Gardens to see updates and additional information.
Home Grown New Mexico 