From seed to harvest

James Cook lives adjacent to the community vegetable garden at Aesop’s Park in Tavares, where he relishes growing squash, green beans, peas, and bell peppers.

He was one of the first gardeners to lease a plot at the 501 E. Caroline St. garden in 2011, and he has found growing wholesome vegetables saves money.

“And there is the community part of it—you meet very nice people,” James says. “Conversations and relationships grow from the garden.”

He often exchanges produce with others, and the City of Tavares provides water for irrigation and compost material. The gardeners are encouraged to replenish the compost bin with vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds.

“It’s a sweet little garden,” says Tavares Community Services Director Tamera Rogers, who believes the community garden provides family bonding and teachable moments.

“It’s teaching children to grow food and that it doesn’t just show up in the stores,” Tamera says. “It grows from seeds, and for me and I was raised on a farm, so I had an early exposure to what the earth does for us and gives us—if we are good stewards and take care of it.”

Tavares residents can secure 4-by-12-foot lots for free for a 12-month period by calling 352.742.6477. There are a limited number of wheelchair-accessible garden plots available, too.

Community vegetable gardens were common during the Great Depression, and The Villages has its own Shared Harvest Farm where volunteers are involved in growing 23 tons of vegetables annually and the produce is given to area food pantries to feed residents in need. The garden is located behind The Villages Woodshop on Rolling Acres Road.

Villagers with a love for gardening are always needed at the Shared Harvest Farm garden. Call Andy Hendricks for details at 352.753.1354.