Former Soccer Field Into Community Garden: Now Offering Fresh Produce

Looking for a way to get a little healthier this spring, and support local produce growers? Why not join Rohnert Park's newest community-supported agriculture project!

Last October, a small group of volunteers converted an unused soccer field at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church into an organic garden, dubbed "Growing in Faith" — and it's growing strong.

Local boxes of produce are available for between $12.50 and $15 a week, or for the same cost every two weeks. That means, for $60 a month, you'll get a fresh box of locally-grown produce every week, or for $30 a month for a box every other week. Interested? Find the signup sheet for the CSA attached to the right as a PDF.

Pickup times are Thursdays between 10 and 11:30 a.m. and Sundays between 10:30 a.m. and noon.

Interested in getting  your hands dirty? Time contributions can be made during scheduled volunteer days each week, or by arrangement in case of disability or hardship. Discounts are available for quarterly or yearly prepaid boxes.

"Our goal is to create gardens, large and small, throughout communities that enable healthy food access to any family that wants to participate, regardless of income or ability," says organizer Beverly Hammond. "Community-shared produce gives you the opportunity to receive local, organically grown produce, while supporting the gardens and families in the community."

The majority of the farm's organic seeds and plant starts are generously donated from Sonoma County businesses, organizers said. Produce available depends on what's in season. Some crops for 2012 include: 

Artichokes, arugula, fava beans, beets, berries, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, chives, collards, cucumber, eggplant, garlic, kale, leeks, lemons, melons, onions, oregano, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, rhubarb, shallots, spinach, strawberries, squash, Swiss chard, tomatillos, tomatoes, and turnips.

For more information visit growinginfaithgardens.org, and email any questions or comments to sharedproduce@yahoo.com.

Editor's note: Beverly Hammond holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, as well as a  degree in Sustainable Agriculture. Beverly also is a member of the International Organic Inspector's Association and a certified Organic Crop Inspector