By Jo Boniello, Peekskill Community Garden
The grant we received this year from the Community Catalyst Fund enabled us to finally start growing in our Community Garden here in Peekskill. We were able to purchase deer fencing, cedar posts, topsoil and supplies for our water system. This year we had 20 individual plots, and a “People’s Plot,” where we grow in a cooperative manner.
Volunteers preparing the site
Our beautifully handcrafted sign, made sustainably from a tree that fell during a storm right here in Peekskill.
We did not have access to water, but we discovered a stream nearby and with the money from this grant, we were able to buy materials that allowed us to tap into the stream. Using a hand pump, we then filled the rain barrels, to allow us have access to water for the garden. Besides pumping the water into the barrels by hand, we also used an old bike and purchased a well pump, which allowed us to send the water by pedaling the bicycle to a sprinkler system to be able to water a bigger area at one time.
A few of our 20 individual plots.
We still have room for expansion, and are hoping to have all of this up and growing to full capacity in a few years.
Cool Planet 