Missouri: Horses and Community Gardens

**A*@aol.com**

Horses mark unofficial start of gardening season in area 

Brian Rowell - browell@dailypress.net 

ESCANABA - The gardening season got off to an old fashioned start Saturday. 

As in past years, a team of horses pulling a plow tilled the community garden 
plots in Escanaba, located across M-35 from the Delta County Airport. Don 
Strahl of Bark River supplied the horse team. The ritual of tilling the soil 
using a team of horses is the first step in getting the soil ready for planting by 
area residents who rent spots.

Area residents who had a plot last year were given until Saturday to renew 
their spot for this growing season.

Remaining garden plots will be available to anyone interested on a first come 
basis beginning today. According to MSU Agriculture Agent Warren Schauer, 
there were 21 plots left this morning.

Persons interested in getting a plot may do so at the MSU Extension Office, 
2840 College Ave., Escanaba (Delta County Service Center). Price for a 30 x 30 
foot plot will be $20. Running water is provided at the site

The garden committee will announce when plots will be staked and gardeners 
can start planting. This is anticipated to be about May 15, depending on the 
weather.

Schauer said there have been three or four plots left unrented in recent 
years. However, some years all plots have been used. 

The community garden has been at its present location for the past six years. 
It moved there from the north side of the Delta County Airport after a runway 
expansion project.

Most gardeners raise vegetables. The soil is good, but the key to success is 
to water the gardens regularly, Schauer said.

Anyone interested in serving on the garden committee is asked to contact the 
MSU-Extension Office (906) 786-3032.

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