Fairfield Iowa
Community Garden
We are now accepting applications for the 2025 growing season!
Here’s how to reserve a garden plot:
1. Read the Member Agreement and click the checkboxes to indicate you agree to the rules, and then click on the “Apply for a Plot” button.
2. Complete the Application form and click on the "Submit" button. Submitting the application will notify the Director of your interest.
Friends of the Garden Fund
Join Us in Creating a Resilient, Sustainable Future! Donate today to help grow this vital community resource! 100% of your donation is tax-deductible and directly benefits the garden.
How Your Support Makes a Difference: We need to raise $2,000 this spring to enhance and expand the garden. Your donation will fund:
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Scholarship Fund: 10 free memberships to low- and moderate-income families
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Feeding Fairfield: Fresh produce donations to our local food banks
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Sustainable Growth: Soil amendments to ensure healthy crops and abundant harvests
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Educational Demonstrations: Partner with youth groups to introduce the science behind gardening
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Improvements: A welcome sign, 2 sturdy and ergonomic wheelbarrows, solar lighting, and plants for the pollinator gardens.
What is the Fairfield Community Garden (FCG)?
This project was conceived in 2022 with the goal of fostering community engagement and sustainable gardening practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gardening would offer an opportunity to be outside, connect with nature, and engage in a productive activity that would help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. It would also serve as a space where neighbors could connect safely, fostering a strong sense of community.
In 2023, an ideal site was selected at the west end of O B Nelson Park, where the old swimming pool once stood. The area is flat, sunny, and measures 100’ x 100’. A partnership was formed with the City and the Sustainable Living Coalition, LLC to create the first City-sponsored garden. The design includes a tall protective fence, City water, 40 raised garden plots filled with high quality raised bed soil, mulched pathways, and a large tool shed equipped with garden tools and equipment. Native flowering shrubs were added to a perimeter garden.
Who can use the community garden?
A garden plot can be leased for the growing season for a small fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Low-to-moderate income households may be eligible for a sponsored membership. Non-profit and educational organizations are invited to participate as well. Members can grow food for their household or donate it to a charitable organization or a local food bank. Membership fees help cover the cost of maintaining and improving the garden site.
Meeting the Needs of the Community
A community garden makes nutritious food more available and can reduce grocery bills for families. It brings neighbors from different backgrounds and ages together in a way that encourages community pride. In addition to providing healthy food, exercise, and quality outdoor time, gardening inspires people to be more creative in all areas of life. It is a great way to introduce children to science and help them understand ecosystems. A survey of the Fairfield community has shown there is strong interest in having more space to grow healthy food and learning more about sustainable gardening.
Fundraising Update
Spring 2024 marked the inaugural season of our community garden project, and it exceeded all expectations:
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All 36 plots adopted
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Over $1,000 raised for scholarships
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In-kind donations provided garden hoses, sprayers, and hose caddies, plus free perennial plants
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Volunteer support from organizations like RSVP and Green Iowa Americorps
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Surplus produce donated to local food banks
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Community service awards for the garden leadership team
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75% of plots already reserved for 2025