AMHERST - Tomatoes, potatoes, beans and even watermelons.
Those are just some of the fresh produce that gardeners are hoping will sprout this summer in the Amherst Community Garden.
Project chair Lisa Emery said there's close to 30 people throughout the community, including children as young as four-years-old, that have plots.
"It doesn't cost anything, but we do suggest a donation to the Poverty Action Committee," she said.
What started last year with 10 plots had grown to twice the size by the end of the season last year.
This year, however, more land has been plowed to expand on the planting.
"There's room for about another 20 gardens," said Emery, noting the committee is planning on planting rows of potatoes as well.
"We see a lot of tomato plants and potatoes, however there are also people with lettuce, beans, peas and beets. There's a bit of corn and there is a couple that is going to try broccoli and cauliflower, however they take a little while to grow," said Emery.
To help out with the second plot of land that's been plowed, the Community Garden Project was able to get the assistance of inmates at the prison in Westmorland.
"The offenders built new boxes for us, starting in June. They made 12 that are about three to four feet long, three round boxes and two table beds," she said, adding the table beds need a bit more work before planting can be done.
"We originally had a lady that was going to garden and she wasn't able to bend over. She was going to use one of those table boxes. They're good for seniors that can't do a lot of bending."
At the end of last year, participants with Canada World Youth helped clean out the garden and harvest any leftover vegetables.
"What was leftover was donated to the food bank or to Maggie's Place, or even to nursing homes," said Emery. "That's the purpose of the community garden. For those people that can't afford to buy the produce for themselves."
Emery said growers help each other out at the garden. While she doesn't have a plot herself, Emery is there on a regular basis to lend a hand.
"Whether weeding or raking, we all help out."
Emery said one bed is shared between a young gardener of about 12-years-old and another couple, with the elders assisting the younger generation.
"They help with things like which plants are weeds and which aren't," Emery said, noting it sometimes is hard to tell.
Anyone looking for more information or to start a plot in the community garden can contact Lisa Emery at emeryvine@gmail.com.
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