Prices will increase this year for Columbus residents who wish to rent plots through the city’s community garden program.
The community garden, located on four acres at Cessna Drive, has 15 small plots and 15 large plots currently available for its 36th year, said Robin Hilber, community development programs coordinator for the city.
The city has increased the price this year for its small plots from $10 to $15 and large plots from $15 to $25 to cover its costs, Hilber said.
City crews pick up trash and provide mulch for no extra charge at the site, Hilber said. However, there is a 25-cent charge to use water at the site with all participants being asked to bring their own hoses.
The community garden program has a total of 113 plots this year, with 83 of those already committed so far. People who previously participated in the program had first chance to secure plots for this year.
Fewer plots are available this year since land the city had been leasing from Centra Credit Union for the past five years has been sold, Hilber said. The community gardens lost seven small plots and 18 large plots as a result of the sale, she said.
With that change, the maximum number of lots has been reduced to two large plots (45 feet by 22½ feet) and four small plots (22½ feet by 22½ feet). That’s down from the maximum four large plots and eight small plots last year.
The city plans to till the site starting in early April. Identification cards will be issued to individuals who rent plots.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”More information” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
City residents interested in a particular plot at the city gardens on Cessna Drive can fill out an application anytime in the community development office in Columbus City Hall, 123 Washington St.
For more information, call 812-376-2520.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
