COMMUNITY GARDEN

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Our gardens have evolved over the past few years. Exceptional hot, then wet, then dry conditions were a real challenge. Demand at the local food banks has significantly increased, and our output barely made a dent with so much need.  Our produce also had a shorter shelf life - meaning immediate distribution was necessary.  Therefore, we have developed Sharing Tables at the Library, Town Hall, Post Offices, Transfer Station, etc. with free food available to everyone throughout the growing months. Harvest consists primarily of fresh tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, onions, and garlic. We hope you have enjoyed this shared bounty.

So take some time to linger in our pollinating garden where different flowering plants are blooming all the time. There are three stone benches, plus excellent Wi-Fi reception.  

 Community garden is pretty much finished for 2019  There are still winter squash and cucumber plants as well as some herbs and tomatoes in the beds.   A total of 53 pounds of beans and 25 pounds of cucumbers and summer squash were delivered to the food pantries by Carol Rothenberg.  Most went to Harrison as the Sweden schedule is bi- weekly and we had veggies that needed to quickly go somewhere.   

 Due to lack of rain, and hungry tiny visitors, 2018 was a leaner year. No amount of watering could compensate for scorching daytime temperatures. The smaller harvest was discouraging, but lessons were learned. We remain optimistic about production for 2019.
 

WATERFORD LIBRARY EXTENDS COMMUNITY GARDEN WITH DO IT YOURSELF GARDEN KITS 

The Waterford Library Community Garden did spectacularly well last year harvesting 278 lbs of produce from two backyard raised beds and even more from the squash mounds. The Sweden Food Pantry told us produce went out as fast as it came in.  People really appreciated all those fresh vegetables.  With that in mind, Geraldine O’Donnell, President of the Library Trustees, pursued the idea of assembling garden kits to go.  The Maine Community Foundation agreed and funded the project with nearly $2000! The grant paid for wooden kits purchased from Red Mill Lumber in Casco.  Bags of organic soil were also provided through the grant.  Veggie and herb seedlings were also donated by Jane Trail, Kimball’s Greenhouse, and from Geraldine’s own garden. Due to an overwhelming response, a special drawing was held for for the garden kits. Local contractor Dan Drew, Jane Traill, Bob Spencer, and Geri delivered kits to all selected.

 Sweden Food Pantry 

OPEN: 11 am-1 pm 1st and 3rd Wednesdays​​

Sweden Community Church  Rte.93 /137 Bridgton Rd.  

Sweden, ME 04040 

​lindalbradleythf@gmail.com​​

Harrison Food Bank  

OPEN:  1:30 pm -6:30 pm  every Tuesday 

Harrison VFW HALL   Rte. 35/ 176 Waterford Road Harrison, ME 04040  ​207-890-9742 harrisonfoodbank@gmail.com