Raymond Poe, Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, will officially kick off the community garden growing season on Monday, April 4. A ribbon cutting will be held to mark the start of the 8th annual garden at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Officials with the Illinois Department of Agriculture have teamed up with sponsor Syngenta and the University of Illinois Master Gardeners to provide this opportunity for the community. At last count, 85 gardeners are signed up to participate in the 2016 program.
The community garden is located on the infield of the Illinois State Fair Grandstand race track. It holds 200 plots. Of those plots, 100 are designated for organic gardening, while 100 are assigned for non-organic gardeners. Each plot costs $20, and can be tilled for you for an additional $10. Garden sponsor Syngenta will provide a variety of seeds free of charge to interested gardeners. Program participants will also have access to free water, tools, and compost.
The goal of the fairgrounds garden is to give individuals, who do not have space for a garden, a friendly and safe environment to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, and other plants.
WHAT: Community Garden Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: 5:30pm Monday, April 4
WHERE: Grandstand Infield, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Gate 6
It’s not too late for you to get involved! Plots are still available. If you’d like to participate in this year’s community garden, visit www.agr.state.il.us/gardenor call (217) 785-5594.
