In conjunction with John Wandrisco of the Latrobe Mini Garden Team, and Ed Sparber, Community Garden Coordinator, the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program is happy to announce the start-up of a Community Vegetable Garden Project.

“Our goal is to give people who may not have enough space for a garden at home, an opportunity to plant a small vegetable garden of their own. We are looking for people who wish to raise their own vegetables that are truly interested in cultivating, planting, and maintaining a quality garden,” remarked Annette Couch, Director of the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program

As with the American Community Gardening Association, the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program recognizes that community gardening improves the quality of life for people by providing a catalyst for neighborhood and community development, stimulating social interaction, encouraging self-reliance, beautifying neighborhoods, producing nutritious food, reducing family food budgets, conserving resources and creating opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy and education

Located at the corner of Irving Avenue and Catherine Streets (near Legion Keener Park), 16 gardening plots (measuring 6’ x 20’ each) are available for rent at a cost of $10.00 per plot to cover the cost of site preparation. Plots will already be tilled, fertilized, and ready for planting. Water will be provided at this site, as well as barrels for weeds and compost. Because there are a limited number of plots available, only one plot will be allowed per participant. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For safety reasons, no pets are allowed on site.

To obtain an application, please call the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program office at: 724-805-0112. Applicants must provide proof that their homeowners or tenants’ policies extend to provide liability coverage for them on this community garden site. Completed applications and proof of insurance must be mailed in--they will not be accepted in person.

“We are very excited to begin this Community Vegetable Garden Project, and hope that people will take advantage of this great opportunity!” commented Couch.

The Garden Season lasted from May 23rd - October 25th, 2009 and was very successful. Please check back for this year's opening date. Gardeners will be responsible for cleaning their plot at the end of season.