Early in 2016, I read a story about food deserts in Central Indiana created in part due to a local chain of grocery stores going out of business. To illustrate the challenges faced by low-income families in these mostly urban areas, the then mayor of Indianapolis showed how it took him 45 minutes and three different buses to get to a full-service grocery store from many parts of the city. I was devastated that people who wanted to feed their families fresh food had to resort to buying what was available from gas stations and thought, “how can I help?”

Not long after, I saw the saying, “If you are more fortunate than others, it is better to build a longer table than a taller fence.”

It touched me. I had a section of land not being used at all.
An idea was hatched–and the studying began!!

Since I wanted the garden to have little or no carbon footprint, I had a consultation done by the Permaculture Experts of southern Indiana. They walked our property, made suggestions, and I took notes for 2 hours! There was a lot to do and learn so that the produce could be grown naturally and chemical free–as organically as possible, while not being certified.

That spring it rained constantly. I studied plans, put out a neighborhood ad for a helper, and searched for upcycled materials to use. The original beds were constructed with wood purchased for a small charge (and self-hauled) from a neighbor’s deck!

My helper turned out to be a young man coming home from college for the summer. He was a blessing! He was smart, a self-starter, and ready to learn about organic gardening. He quickly built raised beds and wheeled cart loads of organic dirt, compost, and enriched mulch. He also installed a 6 ft high deer fence and anchored it to the ground.

Then…we PLANTED!

We faced a steep learning curve followed by lots of sweat. He dug a well, and I brought home a 1500 gallon water tank so we would have a closed loop irrigation system with no carbon footprint. Our first season’s yield was modest in variety but plenty: tomatoes, Japanese eggplant, squash, zucchini, green beans, snap peas, radishes, and beets. We shared our bounty with friends and potential supporters.

Fast forward to February of 2017. Over the winter, we’ve collected items to double the existing planting area without the need to expand the footprint and add more fencing. The Permaculture Experts came back and gave me more ideas as well as a few congrats! With the warm February, the new beds should be in this month, grow lights and heat mats will be purchased to start seedlings, and planting will commence in May.

Our immediate need at this time is to raise funds for the warming mats and grow lights so we can start the seedlings and extend the grow season to possibly three cycles. Other items on our wish list: Some extra wood, and lots of organic soil and compost to fill the new beds.

And then, let the growing begin!

With much gratitude,