The Rocky Hill Land Acquisition and Farmland Preservation Committee met on Tuesday, March 25. A major focus of the committee has been to establish a community garden at the Intersection of New Britain and New Road in Rocky Hill.
About the Community Garden
Since acquiring the land in 2019, the town has long considered the idea of a community garden for residents of Rocky Hill. The current plan is to open the Community Gardens in May of 2025. Amenities for gardeners are expected to be basic at launch (residents will be expected to bring their own water; the barn will not initially be available) but will grow over time. Once up and running, the Community Gardens will be managed by the Rocky Hill’s Parks and Recreation Department.
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The town is preparing an application form for residents to apply to take on a plot at the garden. Stay tuned for a link to that form in early April.
Plans in the making
The plans for the garden will take some time to develop. Still to be determined:
- Size and plot number: Public demand will influence the number of plots established in the initial year of the garden.
- Soil Treatment: The town is deciding how to prepare the soil of the gardens. Options include tilling the site and applying another layer of mulch.
- Access to water: The town is aware that water is ideal for gardens. Several options have been proposed to provide access.
- Compost: Gardens generate organic material. The town is discussing whether and how to maintain a drop off point for greens.
- Raised Beds: Many residents requested raised beds for accessibility, but the current budget doesn’t cover raised beds. The town is discussing sponsorships and different ways to provide raised beds in future seasons.
- Barn Access: There is a barn at the site of the Community Gardens. It will be made available for activities once key utilities are hooked up, including electricity and water.
Public Feedback
- Alicia Cornelia of the local garden club recommended that the town provide gardeners with water.
- Mary Beth Maluccio and Ed Chiucarello from the local “Friends of the Farm” group offered feedback. Feedback included:
- Local residents are interested in organizing activities at the farm, including educational events and seed/tool sharing.
- Allow composting on site so people can manage their organic matter.
What you can do
As warm weather approaches, consider growing some of your own food this year. Many community members are interested in sharing knowledge about gardening. Eating local, fresh food is good for your health and for the environment.
Stay tuned for the plot sign-up form: we will share the link to sign up for plots at the community garden.
Consider sharing your knowledge. Comment below if you are a gardener interested in sharing your insights with the community.
