IMG_6389The Brownwood Area Community Garden will be accepting applications from the general public to lease a limited number of available garden beds, starting Feb. 14.

Leasing allows gardeners to use a 4’ X 20’ raised bed with built-in drip irrigation provided, to grow the crops of their choice.  Current leases expire at the end of February, and all current gardeners must re-apply for the new year.  Applications are due by Feb. 28, and will be processed as they are received, so a prompt submission is encouraged.

Lease fees:

$45.00  Standard 9-month lease, March 1-Nov.30, 2014

$50.00  Full year lease, March 1, 2014-Feb. 28, 2015

Residents of Brownwood Housing Authority ONLY:

$20.00  Standard 9-month lease, March 1-Nov.30, 2014

$25.00  Full year lease, March 1, 2014-Feb. 28, 2015

All Community Gardeners are required to volunteer at the Garden five hours per year, and to use organic gardening practices only.   A description of these practices is included with the application.  Gardeners should also be willing and able to visit and maintain their bed at least weekly.

Applications will be available at the following Brownwood locations:

Texas Agrilife Extension Office   605 Fisk St.

Brownwood Public Library           600 Carnegie Blvd,

Central Texas Opportunities          1514 Dublin St.

And at the Garden,   Sat. Feb. 15,   or Sat. Mar 1,   10am-1pm

NEW THIS YEAR:  GARDEN LEADERSHIP TRAINING BEGINS MARCH 10

Two hours weekly training for 12 weeks will certify you as a Garden Apprentice, Intern, or Volunteer.  This free training will cover all aspects of Garden Operations.

Anyone aged 10 and up is encouraged to register by March 3.  Registration forms are at the locations listed above.

The Brownwood Area Community Garden is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, and established primarily to grow fresh produce to feed the hungry, but also to provide space for area residents wishing to garden using natural methods.  The Garden also presents a variety of educational programs, and provides internships and job-training opportunities.

Those who don’t need to lease space, but still want to participate in Garden activities, are invited to visit or volunteer any second or fourth Saturday morning at the Garden, at 10 am.  The Garden is located at 1514 Dublin St. behind the CTO building.  For more information, call 325-641-9029.