Tomato Season

 

About the Community Garden at Howe Farm

Behind the big red barn at Howe Farm on Route 100 in Wilmington, VT is the community garden, established in 2016.  The property owner, Mt. Snow, has generously provided the space for the garden, including land for an expansion in 2021.  In 2022, a small orchard was added which includes apples, pears and peach trees along with raspberry and blueberry bushes.  The introduction of the orchard was supported through a generous grant from the Town of Wilmington 1% Tax Fund.  

The garden was again expanded in 2023 to include space dedicated to growing produce for donation to those with food insecurity. In 2021, produce was donated to the St. Mary’s Food Program, Deerfield Valley Summer Food program and through distribution points at Pettee Memorial Library and Twice Blessed Thrift Shop.  In 2022, we also distributed produce at the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, and then added distribution points at Senior Solutions in Jacksonville, VT and Project Feed in Townshend, VT.  To date, over 1,700 pounds of produce with a retail value of nearly $7,000 has found its way to the tables of families in need.

 The garden is co-managed by Karen Horton and Hope Etheridge.  Over 25 individuals maintain plots at the garden, and are encouraged to use organic practices.  Household food waste is composted, and rain water is collected so that the garden functions as sustainably as possible.  A small greenhouse was added to the garden in 2024, and we hope to grow hardy greens during the winter.