GET A FREE ORGANIC GARDEN—AND HELP TO BUILD IT
July 11, 2011 (San Diego) – Victory Gardens San Diego (VGSD) has kits available to help you start an organic garden – and they’re free to those who cannot afford to buy one. (Others may purchase one for a suggested donation in the $150-$350 range, depending on size). Chose from a raised planter bed or in-ground beds for your garden. In addition to getting plants, irrigation, gopher prevention materials and more, you will also receive a site visit from a project manager and get free advice from experts on how to grow fresh vegetables and fruits in your new garden.
“Our Garden Builds are free and we work anywhere in the County,” says Richard Winkler at VGSD. “We are entirely supported by donations.” The program is available to homeowners, renters (with property owners’ permission), communities and schools.
Garden recipients sign the “Good Gardener Contract.” You agree to work with the Victory Gardens team to install your garden, and also help build at least one other garden for someone else. You also pledge to maintain and water your garden, use organic growing and pest management methods (avoiding chemicals), and create a composting system. Best of all, you pledge to harvest and eat the fruits of your labors – and to give away any extra food that you grow.
To apply for a Victory Garden, visit http://www.victorygardenssandiego.com/app_form_bin/garden_app.php . Victory Gardens San Diego is a program of San Diego Roots Sustainable Food Project, a 501c3 nonprofit.
You can find more information at www.victorygardenssandiego.com. In addition, you can take free garden education courses at five locations around the County:
- Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center (National City)
2525 N Ave, National City 91950
Contact: Michelle Cox, (858) 204-6949 - Solana Center (Encinitas)
137 N El Camino Real, Encinitas 92024
Contact: Elizabeth, elizabeth@solanacenter.org, (760) 436-7986 ex 225 - International Rescue Committee (City Heights)
5348 University Ave, San Diego 92105
Contact: Anchi Mei, (619) 641-7510 - San Diego Youth Services (Spring Valley)
3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley 91977
Contact Steven Jellá, (619) 221-8600 x229 - Wild Willow Farm and Education Center (South San Diego)
2550 Sunset Ave, San Diego 92154
Contact: Erynn Pierce, erynn@sandiegoroots.org, (619) 540-2431
Richard Winkler