Stettlerites, prepare to grow your own produce, thanks to the community garden that will soon be inaugurated close to the Rotary campground.
One of the fastest projects to be brought to fruition, the community garden idea was first conceived by the Heartland Beautification Committee last summer and preparations have been made with enough speed to allow the inaugural planting day to be planned for May 22.
The community garden will be located between 46 and 47 Avenue and 56A street and 57A Street.
Colin Bruins, a member of the community gardens committee said they were trying to complete tilling and other necessary arrangements by May 10 so that they would be ready for the planned planting day.
According to the information given by Bruins, there will be three types of lots for residents who want to grow their own produce, flowers or herbs.
The smallest lots will be 10 by 10 feet, the medium sized ones will be 10 by 22 feet and the biggest lots will be 22 by 22 feet.
One of the bigger lots will be reserved for the Stettler Food Bank, but all the others will be allocated on a first come-first served basis in return for a nominal fee payable at the town office.
The user fees will be $5 for small lots, $10 for medium sized lots and $20 for bigger lots.
While residents will have the freedom to grow whatever produce, herbs or flowers they wish to, the use of herbicides and pesticides will not be allowed and growers will be encouraged to use compost.
“We are not controlling what people could do but what is used should not harm other growers’ work” said Rob Spencer, committee chair.
The committee will have the power to reclaim any lot if it is concluded that the land is not being used appropriately.
“We have had great community support so far,” Bruins said.
One business donated a 500-gallon water tank and the Wm E Hay High School is building a tool shed to be placed at the community garden.
Application packages for the lots are available at both the town office and the town’s website, where they can be downloaded and printed.