Volunteers planted more than 1,600 seeds and 1,000 plants in Clarkston Community Garden at McCord-Stickney Park, June 6-7.
‘We were able to finish just half of what is planned for the garden this year,? said Kelly Hyer, recreation supervisor for Independence Township.
Jim Tesnar, Horticulturist for both Bittersweet and the Clarkston Community Garden, calculated this year’s garden needs about 155 work hours to plant. Once planting is complete, crops needing weekly watering and weeding include tomatoes, beans, broccoli, peppers, squash, cucumbers, carrots, chard, beets, sweet corn, gourds and pumpkins. Plants were donated by Oakland Technical Center Agriculture, and local neighbors and volunteers.
Clarkston Community Garden is managed by Independence Township Parks and Recreation. In 1998, The McCord family donated 36 acres of land to the township, 34 of which is used for community gardening.
All vegetables grown, expected to be more than 30,000 pounds, will be donated to Lighthouse North.
‘We are partnering with Lighthouse this year because we wanted to ensure our residents get priority,? said Hyer. ‘The first harvest will come about the first week in August. Produce will be taken there on Fridays.?
To volunteer, call 248-625-8223 or go to www.itpr.org and download a Clarkston Community Garden Volunteer Opportunities Form. The garden, on the northeast corner of Stickney and Pine Knob roads, is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.