Ag Department, Penn State Extension Invite Residents to Rent Plots

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Residents in the area of Selinsgrove, Snyder County, will gain a better understanding of agriculture's important role – and save money – by growing their own food in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture/Selinsgrove Community Gardens, said Secretary Russell C. Redding today.

"Community gardens are an excellent way to connect consumers with Pennsylvania's number one industry – agriculture – by planting, growing and harvesting their own food," said Redding. "This opportunity will not only yield fresh, nutritious food for local residents to feed their families and help reduce grocery bills, but also gives them the chance to come together as a community and connect with the land."  

Each plot is 30' x 30' and costs $10 per season. At least 60 plots will be available to community members. For an application and more information, gardeners should contact Joel Imgrund of Penn State University Cooperative Extension in Snyder County at 570-966-8194, or via e-mail at jci101@psu.edu.

In its second year, the garden is on a seven-acre parcel of the department's 223-acre farm. The project is a partnership between the department, Penn State Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, the Susquehanna River Coalition, and Susquehanna and Bucknell universities.

"We anticipate doubling the number of plots rented this year, which is a true testament to the interest in and demand for garden space in urban and suburban communities," Redding added. "By producing food locally, we increase its accessibility and reduce the distance it must travel to reach our tables. This is a clear example of how we can all help keep Pennsylvania growing."

For more information about the Department of Agriculture, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us. For more information about Penn State Cooperative Extension, visit www.extension.psu.edu.

Media contact: Nicole Bucher, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us
http://extension.psu.edu