"I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food." (Genesis 1:29-30)

Did You Know…

Our community is the best place to look for fresh fruits and vegetables. Did you know that a carrot has to travel 1,838 miles to reach your dinner table? Think about how much time slips by from the time the carrot is picked, packaged, shipped, and stocked on the grocery store shelf waiting for you to buy it for your family to eat it…not to mention the carbon footprint of the machinery and trucks used to harvest and transport the carrots. Amazing! In Simpson county, residents have the opportunity to grow their own vegetables! What’s that you say? You don’t have space or tools? You’re in luck! There are two community gardens right here in Simpson county –at Franklin Simpson Housing Authority and Franklin Presbyterian Church.

What is a Community Garden?

A community garden is a shared garden. Individuals are assigned a plot of ground that they are responsible for gardening. The vegetables and fruits that are produced in that plot belong to the plot owner. Seeds, plants, and gardening supplies are often available on a shared basis, depending on the garden. Individuals may also purchase their own gardening supplies for their own use. A community garden can be used to grow flowers and other plants too! When you belong to a community garden it also gives you the chance to socialize with your neighbors. You will develop a better sense of community involvement and belonging. You will be interacting with people of similar interests.

How many plots are available? Are there programs to assist with start-up costs?

Each community garden has 20 plots available on a first‐come, first‐serve basis. Each community garden has a small sign‐up deposit (between $2 and $20, depending on the site), and deposits will be returned at the end of the growing season to those who maintain and take care of their plots. Some sponsorships are available for those who may need them—so don’t let the deposit stop you from reserving your space! Additionally, The Community Action Garden Program Begins April 2, 2012.  The Community Action Garden Program is designed to encourage economic self support by providing low-income households with the essential materials to start growing a vegetable garden. Eligible program participants receive a $20.00 voucher from Community Action of Southern Kentucky, Inc.  The voucher can be used to purchase garden products, such as, garden seeds, garden plants, and/or fertilizers.  The voucher cannot be used for potting soil or beautification plants.  For more information contact the local Community Services Office at (270) 586-3238.  Resources are all around you!  Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to grow food for the body and nourish the body, mind, and spirit through classes, events, and get-togethers all summer long! 

All classes, meals, and events are free to the public, unless otherwise noted in descriptions below.  
For additional information regarding our local community gardens, please contact:

CLASSES & EVENTS AT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY GARDENS

Community Earth Day Fair!
April 21st (Saturday) from 9am-noon at the Square
Stop by the square to pick up information and learn more about gardening
opportunities and classes.  YOU MAY SIGN UP AT THIS TIME TO RESERVE YOUR GARDEN PLOTS AT FPC.
 
Freezing Food for Future Use
May 3 (Thursday) from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In this session you will see demonstrations and get hands on experience in freezing fresh fruits and vegetables for future use.   Learn the USDA recommendations which help insure a safe and high quality product.  Class will be held in the basement meeting room of the Simpson County Extension Office at 300 North Main Street.  Registration deadline is April 30.  Workshop instructors are Kathy Jump, Simpson County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, Catherine Webster, Simpson County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development and Caren Gibson, Simpson County SNAP Ed Program Assistant.
 
Enjoy a show
May 19th (Saturday) at 8:00pm at the Franklin Presbyterian Community Garden (201 N. College St.)
Enjoy a show projected on the wall of the garage in the garden area.  Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks and enjoy a film in the summer air in community.  Popcorn and sodas provided!
*YOU MAY SIGN UP AT THIS TIME TO RESERVE YOUR GARDEN PLOTS AT FPC IF YOU MISSED YOUR OPPORTUNITY AT THE EARTH DAY FAIR.*
 
Community Garden Kick Off at the F-S Housing Authority
May 24 (Thursday) from 6:00-7:30pm
Franklin-Simpson community members are invited to join Caren Gibson, Simpson County SNAP Ed Program Assistant for a cooking demonstration on-site at the garden. Caren will teach viewers how to make salsa and show how easy it is to grow all the necessary ingredients in the garden or flower pot. This year gardeners will have the opportunity to reserve their own plot of ground to grow their plants. Applications will be available on site. F-S Housing Authority Community Garden is located at 130 Crestmore St, Franklin, KY
 
Preserving Food by Canning
June 7 (Thursday) from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Learn how to preserve food using water bath canning and pressure canning techniques.  This “how to” session will include hands on activities and cover the basic guidelines for when and how to use both types of canning techniques.  Class will be held in the basement meeting room of the Simpson County Extension Office at 300 North Main Street.  Registration deadline is June 4.  Workshop instructors are Kathy Jump, Simpson County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, Catherine Webster, Simpson County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development and Caren Gibson, Simpson County SNAP Ed
 
Enjoy a show
June 16th (Saturday) at 8:00pm at the Franklin Presbyterian Community Garden (201 N. College St.)
Enjoy a show projected on the wall of the garage in the garden area.  Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks and enjoy a film in the summer air in community.  Popcorn and sodas provided!  
 
July Celebration by the Garden - at the F-S Housing Authority
July 5 (Thursday) from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Please join us for a summer evening enjoying festive activities, food and fellowship by the garden. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

Enjoy a show
July 21st (Saturday) at 8:00pm at the Franklin Presbyterian Community Garden (201 N. College St.)
Enjoy a show projected on the wall of the garage in the garden area.  Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks and enjoy a film in the summer air in community.  Popcorn and sodas provided!  

Enjoy a show
August 18th (Saturday) at 8:00pm at the Franklin Presbyterian Community Garden (201 N. College St.)
Enjoy a show projected on the wall of the garage in the garden area.  Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks and enjoy a film in the summer air in community.  Popcorn and sodas provided!  

PIG ROAST!
September 1st - 2nd at the Franklin Presbyterian Community Garden (201 N. College St.)
We will begin roasting on Saturday, September 1st around 6pm, so come on over to the garden to play games and enjoy the summer evening outside together. We will eat in the garden at noon on Sunday, following the morning worship service.  All are welcome for this feast!