The Salem Community Garden is a place for residents to grow and harvest healthy food for their families, friends or to donate to those in need. Garden tools are available for the shared use of community gardeners, and often seeds, compost and other garden materials are available for free or reduced cost to participants. Fifty garden plots are available and registration in a first-come, first-served basis.
The Salem Community Garden began in 2009 and is a cooperative effort of the University of Missouri Extension, Salem United Methodist Church, local organizations, and citizens. Donations of tools, seeds or other gardening resources are appreciated, and are tax-exempt.
The third Saturday of the month is a workday at the garden. A master gardener will be present from 10 a.m. until noon, for questions and advice (through Oct. 15).
Community Garden and Growing Green Educational Workshops are planned each month, including:
• May 14, 10 a.m.-noon, Edible Plants
• May 21, 10 a.m.-noon, Canning Mix Vegetables, 10am-noon
• June 21, 6 p.m., Weed Warfare
• July 19, 6 p.m., Fall Planting Garden
• Aug. 16, 6 p.m., Composting
• Sept. 20, 6 p.m., Companion Planting
• Oct. 15, 9 a.m., Cover Crop and Garden Closed
Watch the garden bulletin board and Salem Community Garden Facebook page for additional special events throughout the season.
If you are interested in volunteering or registering a plot, contact Charlie Grimm, 573-368-9902; or call Dent County Extension at 573-729-3196. Gardeners are required to sign an agreement to follow the garden by-laws and maintain their garden plot through the season.
The garden is located at 801 E. Scenic Rivers Blvd., behind the Salem United Methodist Church.
