“What grows best in the garden always varies from year to year. Last year was not a great growing year due to a wet cold start. Tomatoes didn’t fare as well where the previous 2 years were excellent for tomatoes. Many grow flowers which bring bright colors,” said Craig Sievert, the garden’s treasurer. 

There are still plots for gardeners available. The garden consists of 70 different plots of 100 approximately 100 square feet each. Each gardener is responsible to plant, grow, and harvest their individual plots. Plots sizes are 4 feet x 20-25 feet and are $40 each. 

The application and a waiver to apply can be found at the New Ulm Community Garden at http://puttinggreen.org. The garden offers a sliding scale to those eligible. The forms and fee then can be mailed into the garden. 

Gardening tools and water are provided. Wood chips used between gardens are provided, as is a deer fence, and gardening guidance. Chicken wire, tomato cages, and stakes are also available on a first come basis.

New Ulm Community Garden appreciates the continued support and help of the community; New Ulm Park and Rec aid with the space, and wood chips. Photo provided by Craig Seivert

“Gardeners are asked to grow organically. If you are new to the garden, we have an informal orientation normally explaining the garden rules,” said Sievert.

The garden will be open once the plots are re-staked and tilled, which depends on the weather. All are welcome to garden; there are no specific hours that the gate is open, and gardeners come at many times to work their plots. Organic growing refers to gardening without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

“We appreciate the continued support and help of the community; New Ulm Park and Rec and Joe Schugel who have supported us with the space, wood chips and a portable lavatory,  RVS for years of pick-up of garbage and recycling, Dr Luke Albrecht who has for years donated his time and equipment to manage the compost and move dirt around, Kraus Tree service who have provided wood chips for years,” said Sievert.

The website explains the garden as an opportunity for experienced and novice gardeners alike, for those who may not have the right space to garden at home, or would simply like to garden with others, providing a place for our older generations to connect with young people and share their gardening expertise and passing on their knowledge to the next generation.

New Ulm Community Garden is located at 1915 South Valley Street, New Ulm. Those interested in gardening or volunteering can email newulmcommunitygarden@gmail.com, or leave a message at (507) 291-8668. Visitors are welcome, but no dogs are allowed in the garden.

The New Ulm Community Garden still has around 70 available plots for gardeners. Plots sizes are 4 feet x 20-25 feet and are $40 each.  Photo provided by Craig Seivert

“Our hope is that the feeling on a gardening community develops between gardeners,” said Sievert.

A tomato plant from a past growing in the New Ulm Community Garden. Some of the produced grown in the garden is donated to the New Ulm Food Shelf. Photo provided by Craig Seivert

New Ulm Community Garden appreciates the continued support and help of the community; New Ulm Park and Rec assist with the space, and wood chips. Photo provided by Craig Seive

Marigolds, pansies, daises, zinnias, irises—the Community Garden can grow just about anything from flowers to produce. Photo provided by Craig Seivert