BRADENTON — For aspiring gardeners without property of their own, 20 raised garden plots are now available for cultivation at the newly opened Patricia and Dr. Carroll Geraldson Community Garden.
Manatee County officials celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the daughter of the Geraldsons, Reba Geraldson Moeller, on May 30 at the garden, 1401 99th St. NW.
“It’s a celebration of heritage and the contributions of the Geraldsons, who farmed here in the 1950s,” Manatee County Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker said, adding that county officials were eager to retain the property’s agricultural use in a developed area a short walk from the county’s popular Robinson Preserve.
The Geraldsons were instrumental in pioneering the use of plastic sheeting to protect crops and save water, he said.
The garden will operate differently than a previous project in which gardeners bought shares in the produce of the entire group, he said; this time, each gardener will own the contents of their own raised plot. The plots are $25 for a one-year membership.
The plots are designed with water monitors to show gardeners how much rain has fallen, Manatee County Community Gardens Program Specialist Brittany Atkinson said.
Until they are claimed, the plots are planted with cover crops of sunn hemp, which benefits the soil, she said.
“I look forward to seeing how the Patricia and Dr. Carroll Geraldson Community Garden grows in the future,” said Rochelle “Ro” Li, Community Agriculture and Food Access Program manager for Manatee County Natural Resources. “It took many hands to bring this space to life, and we’re excited to teach, learn, and grow alongside our new garden members as we cultivate connections and plant seeds for seasons to come.”
To sign up, email brittanyatkinson@ufl.edu.
Cindy Lane is a staff writer for the Tampa Bay Beacons. She can be reached at clane@tbnweekly.com.