Our Home Vegetable Program supplied raised beds, seedlings, compost, and educational resources to 23 Ypsilanti households this year and 13 experienced garden mentors signed up to support these new gardeners. With a variety of different needs among participants, we installed single, double, and triple layer raised beds, rain barrel beds, and container and pot gardens. So far, home gardeners have reported that growing lettuces and greens have been very successful and they are excited for their sweet and hot pepper harvests.

One of the program participants, Gwendolyn Copeland, set up a community garden for seniors living at Cross Street Village. Residents at Cross Street had fewer choices for activities with Covid restrictions in place, and Gwendolyn wanted to create a space for them to get outside and socialize in the garden. She says the garden has been enthusiastically embraced by residents, and many of them are excited to try growing their favorite vegetables and herbs.