Community Gardens in Oklahoma City

Community gardens are alive and well in nearly every state of the union. The state of Oklahoma is no exception, with thriving community gardens located throughout the Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. Some of the bounty from the community gardens and other locally grown produce can be found in the Farmer's Markets scattered throughout Oklahoma County.

Developing A Community Garden

Although the plan may differ a bit from area to area, the basic premise of a community garden is to take a large plot of land and subdivide it into smaller areas, each of which can become a garden for an interested person, family or organization.

It would seem simple enough at first thought that such a garden could be placed just about any where there is available space, but some considerations are in order. There needs to be a storage place for garden tools. Does the site receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily? Is there an economical way to bring needed water to the gardens?

These questions and more must be considered before choosing a suitable plot of land. For more information, visit the American Community Gardening Organization.

Why Are Community Gardens Needed?

Many city dwellers have the desire to raise their own vegetables, but may not have the space needed to do so where they live.

Families who work together in the community gardens teach their children valuable skills and nurture the joy of nature and gardening.

Often times, people who grow vegetables in community gardens will donate any excess produce to food banks or just other friends/family members who haven't grown their own vegetables.

The nutritional value of vegetables that are homegrown-where the conditions are monitored and known-is greater than the nutritional value of vegetables that have been shipped in from longer distances.

People who come to garden develop friendships with others at the community garden.

A wealth of knowledge is at the gardeners' disposal by the sponsoring agencies.

Where Are the Community Gardens Located in Oklahoma City?

Oklahoma State University sponsors a community garden at the John E. Kirkpatrick Horticultural Center. Here, participating gardeners can grow their vegetables from seeds grown in the greenhouse on site, which recently was adapted for organic conditions.

Urban Harvest is an urban agricultural program through the Regional Food Bank. Urban Harvest provides/oversees community garden sites throughout the community, with the goal being that fewer people will be hungry because they can grow some of their own food. Urban Harvest works to provide needed materials and teaching for those who participate in the community garden program. A list of community garden sites can be found here.

What If You Already Have Your Own Garden?

If you have your own garden and are interested in donating extra fruit and vegetables to the Regional Food Bank, there are drop-off sites where you can easily do so. Perhaps next year you'd consider growing an extra row or two of vegetables to help feed the hungry in your community.

To find out more information about this program and/or the produce drop-off sites, visit here.