Garden of the Month - Village Garden, First United Methodist Church (Hurst)

Village Garden Begins Sixth Season

           When FUMC and Mission Central began the Mobile Food Pantry in 2011, Hurst Harvesters built the first four raised beds for the Village Garden.  With those four beds, we grew 250 lbs. of fresh, organic produce for our neighbors at Mission Central.   In subsequent years, we grew 512 lbs., 663 lbs., 644 lbs., and 388 lbs. respectively.    Initial funding for supplies and materials came from a grant through Tarrant Area Food Bank.  Currently, we fund the Village Garden through spring and fall bedding plant sales.

            In addition to growing fresh produce, the Village Garden provides educational and missional opportunities for various groups.  For example, three Eagle Scouts have earned their badges completing projects in the Village Garden.  Each year, VBS children learn and work in the garden; and several youth and student groups from churches and colleges have completed mission projects. 

            This year, we begin our sixth growing season. By sharing our expertise with African friends and area churches, we help others who are constructing raised beds for the 2016 growing season.

            You can be part of our exciting ministry.  Learning from co-leader, Master Gardener, Mike Goode; you can help us grow fresh, organic produce for Mission Central.  It’s time to plant for 2016!  Prayerfully consider joining Hurst Harvesters in the Village Garden.  We are waiting to welcome you!

            For more information, contact Mike Goode at: mtgoode@att.net  or Vicky Otterman at:  vickyott@swbell.net.    

What We're Planting Now - March 2016

It appears as if spring has sprung in North TX! We can continue to debate about the last freeze date and when to put out our tomato starts as long as we like, but the near future forecast looks warm and sunny.

Our gardeners have been busy putting in new garden beds, refreshing the soil with compost in our existing beds, cutting down cover crops, and taking care of the seedlings that will be ready to put out in the next couple of weeks.

Keep us up to date on what you've been doing at your garden. Visit our working group page here.

Sharpen your gardening skills at these local workshops:

• Tomatoes! - Dallas - March 12th
•  Raising Chickens in the Garden - Fort Worth - March 19th
•  Composting 101 - Fort Worth - March 31st
•  Making Recycle Seed Paper - Fort Worth - April 2nd
• PCLDA Pool & Garden Tour - University Park - April 21st