What is a Community Garden?
A community garden is a place where neighbors and families gather to grown healthy delicious food. Each person (or family/group) has their own plot to grow their own herbs, flowers, fruits, or vegetables. Gardeners enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, grown heart healthy foods, and get to know their gardening neighbors. It’s an opportunity for experienced and novice gardeners alike, for those who may not have the right space to garden at home, or would simply like to garden with others. The garden provides a place for our older generations to connect with young people and share their gardening expertise and passing on their knowledge to the next generation.
Garden Features
The New Ulm Community Garden consists of 70 different plots of 100 approximately 100 square feet each. Each gardener is responsible to plant, grow, and harvest their individual plots. The garden also has one stone raised plot that is built of stone for gardeners with physical limitations. In 2019, through an Allina Health Connection Neighborhood Grant, eight raised beds 4×10 feet long each were added to grow food for the New Ulm Emergency Food Shelf and provide raised beds for gardeners with physical limitations as needed. The New Ulm Community Garden prides itself on being an organic garden. This means no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are allowed to be used.
Cost
Gardeners can rent a plot for $40 for the whole growing season. We offer a sliding scale to those eligible (mention when signing up if needed). The New Ulm Community Garden Features a deer fence, water, tools, tilled plots, and gardening guidance. Chicken wire, tomato cages, and stakes are available on a first come basis.
Applying for a plot
100 sq ft plots (approximately) are available on a first come-first served basis, for $40 (with a sliding scale for families demonstrating need) per plot per season. Tilling, water, and tools are included. Educational sessions and growing advice will be available through Master Gardeners and other area experts. Gardeners returning from the previous year have until April 1st to apply to ensure they have their same garden plot.
1. Download the three documents found below (CG Garden Application & Contract, CG Gardener Waiver & Release & Covid Waiver)
2. Mail the three completed forms along with your payment to:
New Ulm Community Garden
PO Box 91
New Ulm, MN 56073
Questions? Contact the garden board at newulmcommunitygarden@gmail.com or call (507) 291-8668.
Volunteer with us
The New Ulm Community Garden has several “Plant it Forward” plots to donate produce to the New Ulm Emergency Food Shelf. In 2019 the garden donated 400 pounds of fresh organic produce to the food shelf. Growing all the fruits and vegetables requires help from our community to water, weed, harvest, and deliver to the food shelf. If you, your group or business would like to help us continue to share healthy food with our community contact New Ulm Community Garden at newulmcommunitygarden@gmail.com.