Organizers seek assistance in preparing, planting, maintaining and harvest of vegetables

Some hearty cold weather vegetables managed to make it through the mild winter and will have a head start on growing deep roots for early harvest in the spring at the Monett Community Garden. Pictured are lettuce, kale and, struggling at the rear of the bed, beets.

Many people have the desire to plant small produce patches to supplement their summer grocery purchases, but may not have the space to plant a variety of crops that can be harvested from early spring into late fall and early winter. Now, they have the option of digging their hands into the dirt to satisfy their green thumbs and the satisfaction of harvesting fresh, ripe produce to supplement their summer meals.

Kimberly Scritchfield, who is organizing volunteer efforts at this year’s Monett Community Garden, pulls some volunteer cilantro from the graveled pathways at the site. Scritchfield said cilantro in one of the vegetables that reseeds itself each fall, and the hardy crop will grow in nearly any environment.

The Monett Community Garden is a collaborative effort between the Barry County Health Department and local volunteers to increase the availability of fresh produce for area residents willing to put in a bit of time and effort to reap those delicious rewards.

“I’ve started coming out on my days off when the weather is nice,” said Kimberly Scritchfield, who is organizing this year’s effort. “I’m doing some cleaning of the beds and prepping them for planting. In a couple of weeks, I will start seeds at home so they can get a good start before planting. We are planting several varieties of tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, kale, peppers, green beans, garlic, onions, broccoli and cauliflower. We will start with the early spring vegetables, like lettuce, kale, broccoli and cauliflower, first, and then as summer comes on, plant potatoes, tomatoes, beans and other summer produce. We might even plant some melons, this year.”

Tending to growing plants takes time and commitment from those hoping to reap the summer-fresh rewards.

“People sometimes come out on their days off and work a few hours,” Scritchfield said. “We are going to try to put in an irrigation system this year, so people won’t have to spend time watering when there is other maintenance that needs done - like pulling weeds.”

Two of the larger raised beds are built specifically to meet the needs of those in wheelchairs for ease of access. 

“This is a great way for people to get out in the sun and fresh air,” Scritchfield said. “It’s also relaxing.”

There are chores for those of all ages, even youngsters learning about growing cycles and plant maintenance, pruning, weeding and harvesting.

“I plan to have my husband and my own kids out here helping as we get the beds ready for planting,” she said. “The great thing about working out here is that people can be socially distanced, or come and go on their own schedules.”

For more information on the Monett Community Garden or to volunteer, contact Scritchfield at monettcommunitygarden@gmail.com.

In addition to 12 raised beds in the center of the Monett Community Garden, longer beds line the inner perimeter of the fenced off area where vegetables are grown. Kimberly Scritchfield, who is organizing volunteer efforts for this year’s garden, inspects some volunteer garlic springing up after a relatively mild winter so far.