Rural Hall Community Garden

Meeting set for those interested in Rural Hall Community Garden

The Rural Hall Community Garden, pictured here, continues to flourish. (Wallace Williamson/The Weekly Independent)

slideshow

Wallace Williamson, Contributing Writer
With a town motto of “Garden Spot of the World,” the Rural Hall Community Garden has become quite famous, since it is composed of 44 raised beds and last year involved the “square foot gardening” technique.
An informational/organizational meeting for the Rural Hall Community Garden on Bethania Road will be held Saturday, March 3 at 10 a.m. at the Rural Hall Public Library. Anyone who is interested should attend, and additional information is available by calling 969-6292 or 331-2564.
With the rising price of gas and food, many people are now interested in growing their own food. This is a popular way to reduce the food budget while increasing fresh wholesome vegetables, fruits, and herbs in families’ diets.
Reap More Than You Sow, a local non-profit 501(c)3 project, is working with 18 neighborhoods, churches, schools, and groups to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of community gardens in the area. Each community garden is organized and structured differently considering the needs and abilities of the gardening group.
In addition to eating healthier and reducing the food budget, studies show that community gardens build a sense of community, improve the environment, and beautify neighborhoods. Medical journals report that 90 percent of the illnesses and diseases in America are related to diet, exercise, and/or stress. Gardening is one of the few activities that impacts all three of these health concerns.
From the financial standpoint, an Atlee Burpee Co. study claims that a $50 investment in garden seeds could result in as much as $1,250 worth of fresh produce. In addition to reducing the food budget, Americans are now concerned about the use of pesticides and herbicides on food products.
Another factor motivating gardeners is the fact that there have been 10 fresh food recalls since Jan. 1, 2012. Community gardeners grow the food they like, and they want to know what is on the food they are eating.

This article appeared in the Friday, March 2, 2012 edition of The Weekly Independent.

Read more: Rural Hall Weekly Independent Newspaper