By Nichole Meloche
Last spring, Jerry Land and St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church council members wanted to create a space where Plainfield residents who lack backyard space could grow their own vegetables.
“We had the space available for a garden,” said church member Trudy Land. “Planting a garden was an asset to the church and the community.”
During the first year, the garden produced tomatoes, sunflowers, corn, peppers, beans and more. The church is preparing to till the garden for this year’s planting season.
The garden that sits in full sunshine has 30 plots that measure 20×10. Rent is $25 per plot, and residents can plant their own food to harvest.
Starting April 15, church members began tilling the plots. After the initial tilling, each owner is responsible for maintenance of their plot. The church provides each renter a rain barrel to water the garden.
Renters choose what they plant, and get to keep everything they grow. St. Stephen’s offers a food pantry that vegetables can be donated to, but it is not required.
To reserve a plot, contact Jerry Land at (317) 403-1251 or Gregg Burks at (317) 840-0380. The website for St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church is:
https://www.loc8nearme.com/indiana/plainfield/st-stephens-evangelical-lutheran/7348511/
