City launches Community Garden pilot program

Sheffield Lake residents who love to grow vegetable and herbs – or at least want to try – have an opportunity to participate in a pilot program to evaluate the merits of establishing a permanent Community Garden.

A limited number of 4 foot by 6 foot raised bed plots are available on a first come-first basis by contacting Mayor Dennis Bring via email at MayorBring@gmail.com.

The Community Garden will be located just off Lake Road on city-owned land across the street from Joyce Hanks Community Center. It will be fenced and water is available on site for gardeners to fill containers to water their beds.

Garden plots are available only to Sheffield Lake residents. If available, a resident may request more than one plot. If a two or three residents want to team up to work one plot, they may, said Bring.

The idea for a Community Garden was raised during discussions this spring about city-sponsored programming desired by residents.Bring said the city will deliberately start small to help guide plans for a permanent, larger garden in 2024.

The city has readied the space and built several raised beds. Those interested in a garden plot, sign an agreement to abide by garden rules and will then get an assigned plot. They will receive email confirmation. At that point, residents may proceed with enriching their plot with topsoil or manure. Gardeners are responsible for providing their own plants, seeds and mulch.

The garden will be open sunrise to sunset.

Bring said that if gardeners have excess vegetables to share, they can donate them to Sheffield Lake’s Emergency Food Pantry housed at the Community Center.

Interested? A meeting is scheduled Thursday, June 8, 6:30 p.m. at Hanks Community Center, 4575 Lake Road or contact the Mayor at MayorBring@gmail.com.