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// **Community Garden** // ||
 * = [[image:HighlanderHarvestLogo.png width="587" height="266" align="center"]] ||
 * // **The McLennan Community College** //

= Our Mission =

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Highlander Harvest is a community garden provided by McLennan Community College. Our mission is to provide a fully stocked growing space for community members to produce food for themselves and those in need. =

Each community garden member has their own plot, in which they are free to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs of their choice. They are provided with raised beds, water, mulch and compost, as well as a communal set of tools. Members benefit from the fresh, healthy produce, as well as saving money on food purchases. This is especially true for those without a gardening space available at their place of residence. There are also several beds which are designated to be worked communally, in which all the produce will be donated to local food pantries. || ||

= About Us =


 * Who can participate:**
 * Any MCC employee or student can apply for a plot! When considering applications for the upcoming growing season, the following aspects are taken into consideration: previous participation, order in which application was received, stated commitment to the plot, and need (those who do NOT have a place to garden where they live).
 * What participation involves:**
 * Each garden participant may rent (depending on availability) a full 4'x 8' plot, a half plot, or more than one plot. Participants choose what they grow, and are responsible for purchasing their own seeds or seedlings. Highlander Harvest may provide some seeds, depending on what is donated to us. Participants must follow the rules and regulations of Highlander Harvest, or be subject to termination of their plot rental.
 * Where to participate:**
 * Our garden is located between 19th Street and Mockingbird Lane, next to McLennan Community College's main campus. See map below for directions.
 * When to participate:**
 * Plots are available for winter/spring and summer/fall seasons.
 * Why participate:**
 * Growing your own food is a good way to save money on fresh produce. It can also be a fun, relaxing hobby. It is a way to educate yourself or your children about where food comes from, and can be a healthy addition to many meals.
 * How to participate:**
 * You can apply for a plot online! Simply fill out the form for the upcoming growing season and we'll get back to you. If you can't commit to renting a plot but still would like to help, you can volunteer on one of our periodic work days.

= Apply For A Plot =

If you have trouble viewing or submitting this form, you can fill it out online: https://spreadsheets.google. com/spreadsheet/viewform? formkey= dE9RSkZmYlc0OFJDTFFqY093TXAxVm c6MQ ** We are not yet accepting applications for the fall season. **

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= Garden Rules =

All Highlander Harvest garden members must read and observe the following rules:


 * 1) **Gardening Hours:**
 * spring season: March 1 - August 31
 * fall seasons: September 1 - February 28
 * gardening must be done during daylight hours, for safety reasons
 * 1) **Plot Fees:**
 * full plot (4’x8’) = $7 per season
 * half plot (4’x4’) = $5 per season
 * all fees must be paid in full before gardening work may begin on a plot
 * 1) **Plot Upkeep:**each Highlander Harvest member is responsible for their own plot
 * participants may choose what to grow as long as
 * plants stay within the plot and do not enter the paths
 * plants are short enough to allow sunlight to reach neighboring plots (no trees, etc.)
 * participants are responsible for purchasing their own seeds and seedlings, although Highlander Harvest may provide some seeds, depending on what is donated to us
 * no chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are allowed-see our Organic Gardening section for more
 * plots may not be transferred; notify the Highlander Harvest Coordinator if you wish to resign from your plot so it may be reassigned
 * entire plot must be actively used and maintained
 * keep weeds under control
 * tend regularly
 * meet deadlines for planting/clearing
 * spring gardens must be planted in by March 21, and cleared by August 31
 * fall gardens must be planted in by September 23, and cleared by February 28
 * plots failing to meet these guidelines will be presumed abandoned and will result in loss of plot without refund
 * 1) **Shared-Area Upkeep:**
 * tool shed must be locked while in use
 * all tools borrowed from shed must be returned to their proper place
 * weeds and other garden debris must be thrown in compost- see our Compost section for more information
 * paths should be kept clear at all times
 * 1) **Respect for fellow gardeners:**
 * tools, plants, and space provided by Highlander Harvest are to be shared communally, do not take more than you can use
 * do not alter any plot other than your own: taking produce from any plot not your own will result in loss of plot without refund
 * try to resolve any conflicts through respectful discussion: if the conflict is not resolved address any issues to the Highlander Harvest Coordinator
 * if you have materials such as food scraps, dry leaves, or grass clippings to improve our compost pile, please bring them-additions are always welcome
 * family members and leashed pets are welcome, but give appropriate supervision
 * 1) **Harvest Guidelines: Ways you may and may NOT use your harvest**
 * you may use your harvest for personal consumption and enjoyment
 * you may share with friends, family, etc.
 * you may donate to charity
 * you may be able to sell the produce at the new farmer’s market downtown, along with other gardeners- check for updates here @http://hotugc.org/projects/downtown-farmers-market/

= Volunteer =

If you can't commit to renting a plot for a full season, but still would like to spend some time in the garden, consider volunteering! We have periodic workdays throughout the year mulching, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and maintaining the communal beds from which we donate produce to local food pantries. Email the Highlander Harvest Coordinator at aharbourne@mclennan.edu for more information or to learn the specific dates.

= Location and Contact Information =


 * Highlander Harvest is located on MCC's main campus, next to the overflow parking between 19th Street and Mockingbird Lane. Access available from either 19th Street or Mockingbird Lane.

For more information please contact:

Highlander Harvest Coordinator email: aharbourne@mclennan.edu phone: 254.299.8517 || ||

= Gardening Resources =

...on Community Gardens:
What a Community Garden is: A community garden is a spot where different community members come together to grow food for themselves or to donate to the needy. Each garden decides for itself exactly how it will run. Therefore, each garden is unique, and each garden provides benefits to the people involved along with the surrounding community. A Texas Community Garden Success Story: A garden is San Antonio is providing seeds for food for families and communities.Check out their web page for lots of good info.

...on Local Gardening Tips:
[|Urban Gardening Coalition]: The best resource available for urban gardening in McLennan County. Tips on planting, other local gardens, workshops, and more. Waco Planting Timelines: Click the link to see the Urban Gardening Coalition's planting timeline, or download the pdf for another.

...on Guidelines for Our Garden:
Organic Gardening Basics: This method doesn't use any chemicals which may upset nature's delicate balance. Also, it is healthier, and typically cheaper for the home gardener! Check this out for information about chemical free weed and pest prevention, along with the overarching ideology that guides this method. Organic Fertilizer: This method allows you to provide your plants some much needed nutrients without using harsh chemicals. Composting Basics: This explains how we use our compost pile to recycle food and yard waste to produce a nutrient rich addition for our garden beds.

...on other Popular Styles and Methods:
Companion Planting: There are many plant species that you can grow. Some species grow well together, providing each other with valuable nutrients. Others can compete against one another and be harmful. Square-Foot Gardening : This method allows you to grow as much as possible in a relatively small area. It's a good choice for our small plots. No-Till Gardening: This method mimics nature and helps build good soil structure. It also requires much less work. Double Digging: An easy way to prep your soil which doesn't destroy the soil structure like some other methods. Lasagna Gardening: Also known as "layer cake gardening," this method uses cardboard, manure/compost, and grass/leaves arranged in layers in order to create easy-to-work-with, rich soil. Encouraging Insect Diversity : There will always be insects in the garden, and many are beneficial! They help till the soil, get rid of decomposing materials, and are needed to pollinate your veggies. They best defense against the harmful insects is to encourage a wide range of insects. The "good insects" will help balance the "bad insects." A balanced garden is a healthy garden. Mulch Method: Mulch, mulch, and more mulch. Mulch for every problem!

...on Local Gardening Groups:
Urban Gardening Coalition: I can't stress enough what a good group this is. Join it! Keep Waco Beautiful: 10% discounts at local nurseries.

= Garden Photos =

Photos of "Highlander Harvest" and "The Sustainable Garden." The Sustainable Garden is located at The Art Center of Waco and is maintained by The Art Center, MCC, and World Hunger Relief.
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