Haven Community Garden hopes to expand for third season

Emily Graham, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
·2 min read

Apr. 19—SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The Haven Community Garden is preparing for its third year of offering garden space and educational programs in the borough.

The garden, in Bubeck Park near Stoyer's Dam, was started in 2019 by Schuylkill County's VISION as a Healthy Schuylkill Communities project. It features raised beds, in which individuals or organizations can purchase plots to plant seeds.

"It's about being able to grow your own food, being self-sufficient and independent," said Hannah Burke, garden manager. "It's more nutritious, too, because as soon as you pick something off the branch, it decreases in nutrition. Something coming from California won't be as nutritious."

Burke said there are currently four beds in the garden. Two are used by Evans Network of Companies, Schuylkill Haven, and the Schuylkill Haven Food Bank, while the other two beds are open to the community.

Individual 9-foot by 4-foot plots can be purchased for $5, but are free for seniors, first responders and veterans.

"The community has been loving it," Burke said Tuesday. "We've filled almost all the plots for this season."

VISION is raising money to grow the garden for this year's season.

"We want to expand this year to keep up with the demand for plots," Burke said.

Burke said they hope to increase from four to six beds and add 100-by-60-foot fencing around the garden.

Mandy Fitzpatrick, VISION executive director, said the fundraising goal is $4,000, and Evans Delivery has offered a $2,500 match. Fitzpatrick also said borough approval has been secured, as the garden is on borough property.

"The borough has been very supportive of the expansion," Fitzpatrick said.

Donations can be made at givebutter.come/havengarden.

Along with funding the expansion, Fitzpatrick said donations will also help fund the educational programs offered.

In the past, the programs have included a plastic-free July event, a harvest pot luck and instruction on planting.

"Donations will help us bring experts in to educate the community and provide supplies, like seeds," Fitzpatrick said.

Burke said they also hope to offer new programs, such as courses on herbs, composting and the importance of pollinators, not only to educate people, but to offer fun community activities.

"It's a way to get experience and also to be part of the community and get to know your neighbors a little more," Burke said.

Contact the writer: egraham@republicanherald.com