Backyard Harvest eyes gardens in other towns

The Community Garden Backyard Harvest program is looking to expand into other communities in the county.

According to organizer Janelle Miller, the program was so successful in Colfax last year that organizers want to develop more gardens in other towns.

Community Garden partnered with Peace Lutheran Church and located the Colfax garden on lots along Lake Street south of the church.

Miller said the gardens produced several kinds of peppers, tomatoes, winter and summer squash along with carrots, radishes and lettuce.

Backyard Harvest provides hoses and timers for watering, but the church paid the water bill, she said.

Currently Miller said she’s talking to residents in Endicott, LaCrosse and Garfield about starting community gardens. She said she also would like to see community gardens in St. John and Rosalia.

“We will provide all the planning, plant starts and infrastructure,” she said.

The program is funded entirely through private donations, she said.

Produce that is raised in the gardens is distributed directly to the public.

“It’s like a ‘mock farmers market,’” she explained.

The program partners with the Council on Aging to distribute produce to people who need the food.

This year the food pantry in Colfax will try to be open on Saturday to distribute produce.

To get more information about the Community Garden Backyard Harvest program, contact Miller, 425-478-5455 or jmiller@backyardhar-vest.org.

“We’re looking for a place to grow,” Miller said.