Space Available in RB Garden

500

By Rick Malwitz

RED BANK — Though the prime mover behind the creation of a community garden in the borough is not entirely pleased with the location, she allows how it is a good start.
The site is being readied for planting, most likely for the spring planting season. Residents can now sign up for a plot to garden.
The borough council selected a strip of land on Marion Street to be used as a community garden that would be open to residents to plant crops of their own.
“It wasn’t our first or second or third choice, but it’s a start,” said Cindy Burnham, leader of the initiative to begin the community garden.
“We would rather have a place that is more accessible, but this is a start,” Burnham said of the 30-by-50 strip of land where the soil has been tested and tilled.
“Hopefully, we can develop more gardens like this in Red Bank,“ she said.
The garden, which will be open from 8 a.m. to dusk, is located near East Side Park, one block from the borough’s border with Fair Haven.
Residents can lease plots that are 4-by-10 and 4-by-15 feet and some that can be divided into smaller plots or combined for a larger growing space. The cost is $25, with an additional one-time $25 for start-up costs, including fencing.
Those leasing the plots will have the opportunity to keep them for the following year. New gardeners will be picked by lottery.
Burnham said the soil was tested by the Rutgers Uni­versity soil-testing laboratory to determine the proper application of fertilizers.
The garden is an initiative of the Red Bank Garden Club. Residents can secure use of a plot with a check for $50, made out to RBGC, and sent in care of Anne Jones, 62 Peters Place, Red Bank, NJ, 07701.
Applications can be obtained at borough hall or by calling 732-241-9532.