The Galena Community Garden is a new initiative to offer garden plots for growing vegetables to citizens of the greater Galena area. Almost 200 10 ft. by 10 ft. plots will located on the west side of Galena near the soccer fields. The site will be fenced and have convenient water spigots. Growers can produce food only for personal consumption and will be required to use only organic inputs, insecticides and herbicides. Educational gardening classes and social activities are planned.

Community is the operative word for this project which was started by a small group of citizens who have begun to enlist the aid of many groups and individuals. Already on board are the city of Galena, the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry and the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Corporate and individual sponsorships are being sought to help finance the infrastructure (water piping, fence, a shed and a pavilion) which will go in this year. If you or any organization or business you are associated with can provide funds, materials or labor for the project, please let us know. (We are in the process of incorporating as a non-profit 501c3 organization.) We are also soliciting donations of tools, seeds and seedlings.

Food, of course, is the main focus of the project especially for those who are financially unable to afford fresh produce and who have no space to grow their own. Our research revealed that there are over 200 low income apartment units in the city of Galena alone. Many of these residents are clients of the Galena Food Pantry and they will be encouraged to use the Garden. In order to make plots available to lower income households who may not be able to pay the suggested $25 donation, we are encouraging others to “Adopt A Plot” for them. Another way of contributing is through our “Share the Harvest” plan in which donors can sponsor a plot dedicated to producing food for the Food Pantry. We will also need hands-on help to sow, water, weed and harvest these plots.

If you are interested in reserving a plot for your own use, or would be willing to get involved in any of the ways listed above, please contact Laurie Mattas at lauriemattas@yahoo.com or 815-858-2048.

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