The UF Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Sumter County Extension Center and the Master Gardeners are exploring interest in a new community garden on the grounds of the UCC church at 12514 County Road 101 in Oxford. At this time, they are recruiting local residents who would like a plot to grow vegetables, herbs or ornamental plants for their own use.
The garden site is located just west of the Villages in Oxford, approximately 1 mile north of The Villages Charter school complex.  Any local residents will be welcome to rent a garden plot. The initial plan is for 4’x12’ raised beds filled with enriched bedding material.  The annual rental fee for a plot will be $35.
The garden will be operated with guidance from the University of Florida Sumter County Extension agents and Master Gardeners and under the principles of the UF/IFAS. Master Gardeners will offer instruction to those who want to learn to garden in Central Florida where growing seasons and conditions are very different than those in northern states.
An initial source of funding is contingent on identifying 20 gardeners who will commit to becoming charter members of the community garden. Once these committed individuals are identified, planting could begin in the fall 2014.
Individuals wishing to secure one of the initial garden plots should contact Peggy Reineking at 202-262-6882 or peggyreineking@gmail.com or Diane Reynolds at 352-633-7424 or dreyn1946@gmail.com.
