Crystal’s Fresh Idea: An Edible Garden
If you are a fan of produce you’re going to want to stop by the city of Crystal’s edible garden. Every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m, you’ll find members from A Backyard Farm harvesting and tending to the garden. If you have questions about how certain edible plants are grown, the group of urban farmers provide answers.
This is the first year the garden has been available, but it’s something the city has wanted to start for a few years.
“I kind of had the idea of having an accessible landscape for a few years,” says Scott Berggren the city of Crystal’s recreation service manager. “We were able to get a grant through Hennepin County. That grant was specifically earmarked for food access. That grant enabled us to put the idea in to motion and it’s turned out really well.”
Edible Garden Increases Food Accessibility
The Crystal Recreation Department hopes people will take advantage of this community resource.
“The accessibility of this garden is great,” said Berggren. “This garden is free and it’s available for the community to take advantage of. I hope it gives them a sense of pride that the city and the recreation department is providing this space that will benefit the community.”
The edible garden is located behind the Crystal Community Center. It’s a location popular with senior citizens as well as parents with small children.
When visiting residents can take some of the produce home with them. Some of the produce grown includes tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini.
For more information about the edible garden visit the city of Crystal’s website. To learn more about the Backyard Farm Team you can visit their website by clicking here.