Yes, it still looks like winter outside, but Verona Community Garden Committee is now accepting applications for a bed in the garden this spring.
Each of the 35 raised beds are 4 feet by 8 feet and, if you are chosen, you will need to pay a $50 fee to use it. There will be opportunities to share a bed after the initial beds are assigned. There are also three elevated troughs, 6 feet by 2.5 feet for individuals who need a raised bed. Only one bed will be allowed per household and only Verona residents can apply.
You can find the bed application here and you must submit it by Sunday, February 13. The Verona Community Garden Committee will conduct the lottery on Tuesday, February 15. The committee will also pick 25 names for waiting list or shared bed opportunities.
The Community Garden is located next to H.B. Whitehorne Middle School behind the municipal parking lot. It was created by the township and volunteers from Sustainable Verona and the Verona Environmental Commission, with backing from Sustainable Jersey, the PSEG Foundation, the Landsberger Foundation, the Board of Education, the Junior Woman’s Club of Verona and the Verona Education Association.
The garden is surrounded by tall fencing to keep deer out. No pesticides or harsh chemicals may be used in the garden, and gardeners must keep their plot weeded and make sure their plants don’t spread beyond their beds.
