These are but a few of the "neighborhoods" in the huge community garden at Duke Farms in Hillsborough. Watch video
The State We're In
By Michele S. Byers
Executive Director
New Jersey Conservation Foundation
Whether the real estate market goes up or down, open land remains a hot commodity in Garlic Grove, Cauliflower Corner, Tomatoville and Rutabaga Ridge.
These are but a few of the "neighborhoods" in the huge community garden at Duke Farms in Hillsborough. At 462 plots, it's the nation's largest allotment-style community garden ... and almost a town unto itself!
Duke Farms announced in early January that it was opening up plots in its community garden. And just like any property in a great location, the plots were quickly snapped up!
The popularity of Duke's community garden reflects a growing demand for organic produce and the public's desire to have more control over their food.
Doris Duke wanted land preserved
Community gardeners often use organic, sustainable methods such as no-till gardening, building up soil health and using natural mulches for water conservation.
The Duke Farms community garden may be the largest, but there are many others. The exact number isn't known, since there's no single master list, but the American Community Garden Association website lists dozens throughout the state, including the 145-plot organic community garden created by the Land Conservancy of New Jersey in Mount Olive Township, Morris County.
The community garden is part of the Land Conservancy's 200-acre South Branch Preserve, which was purchased to protect the headwaters of the South Branch of the Raritan River.
Whether you grow your veggies in a community garden or in your own backyard, you should check out the 26th annual Winter Conference sponsored by the New Jersey chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association, better known as NOFA-NJ. This year, the conference will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30 and 31, at Brookdale Community College in Monmouth County.
Despite the organization's name, the conference is not just for farmers. Workshops are offered for anyone with even a small patch of land for gardening ... or just an interest in eating and cooking healthier foods.
Hearing set on fate of Doris Duke mansion
The winter conference includes beginning and advanced farmer workshops for those who work the land for a living, gardening and "food and nutrition" classes for hobbyists, and even a track for those interested in homesteading and livestock.
A new and really fun feature of this year's conference will be two programs by Mike McGrath, well-known host of the public radio show "You Bet Your Garden." Mike will bring his humor and gardening advice to "Bug vs. Bug" and "Making Compost Is Easy, It's Comedy That's Hard," aimed at garden lovers of all experience levels.
More than 50 speakers will address everything from increasing the carbon content of your soil to extending the growing season. One Sunday highlight will be a panel discussion about a New Jersey law that prohibits dairy farmers from distributing raw milk.
With the days growing longer and the tantalizing promise of springtime ahead, it's time to start planning this year's garden.
Check out more information about the NOFA-NJ Winter Conference. Learn more about the Duke Farms community garden and related educational resources and the Land Conservancy of New Jersey's community garden.
To search for a community garden, go to the American Community Garden Association website and click on "Find a Garden." If your community has a garden that's not listed, you can add it to the interactive map.
And for information about preserving New Jersey's land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website or contact me at info@njconservation.org.