ESCANABA — Do you want to grow your own vegetables but don’t have the space? The Escanaba Community Garden off 23rd Avenue South in Escanaba has 30 feet by 30 feet plots available for $40. Last year’s members have ‘first come, first serve’ choice of garden plots; but everyone must attend the mandatory garden orientation meeting. So, if you’re interested, plan to attend the orientation on Wednesday, May 1 at either 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. These will be held at the MSU Extension Office – Delta County, 2840 College Ave., Escanaba.

The orientation meeting allows fellow gardeners to meet each other and meet MSU Extension staff and Extension Master Gardener volunteers who assist with the garden. Each time will include a potluck, so please bring a dish featuring garden produce to pass and include a healthy garden recipe to share. This time will allow all members to review the garden rules agreement, so all gardeners are following the same expectations for gardening. Some key goals for gardeners continue to be no use of phosphorus fertilizer and more water conservation. Gardeners continue to improve the soil structure and health by using organic mulches and composting.

Additions to the garden include a native plant garden, new signage, and additional educational signage. If you’d like to learn more about the garden, plan to attend an orientation meeting or contact Rebecca Krans, MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator, kransr@msu.edu.