Here are the answers to some questions we often get asked.
- How can I support Eastie Farm financially?
- What is this place? What are the goals of this place?
Eastie Farm is a community space…
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- …that uses permaculture principles. This means we focus on growing food for the human community while sustaining (preferably regenerating) the larger ecology (soil, wildlife, atmosphere, water).
- …that promotes community participation. Signs are in Español and English, sessions are offered in both languages, plants may be selected to suit the varied interests of the community, and all work in the garden will be done by volunteers from the community.
- Who is responsible for setup and maintenance of the garden?
The community is! After all, Eastie Farm is a community garden. However, every community garden requires a coordinator. Eastie Farm Inc. is responsible for all operations.
- What is the community’s role?
From design to maintenance, the community plays a wide-ranging role in Eastie Farm’s operation. Together, we prep the soil, plan and plant the garden, maintain the crops (pruning, weeding, etc.), and harvest the bounty. To learn how you can get involved, send us an email or Facebook message.
- Who gets the harvest? How?
The harvest is for the community. You can come in and harvest when the time is right. You sample, you savor, you share. Additionally, we often donate to local service providers, including the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen and the Meridian House.
- How does Eastie Farm bring the community together?
It serves as space for events and relaxation. Tours are organized for school students and other groups interested in learning about the farm.
- When can the public access the garden?
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- Throughout the week, by appointment (Contact us by email)
- Saturdays from 10am to 2pm throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall
- What plants do you grow?
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- Healthy vegetables and greens (radish, lettuce, collard greens, kale, chard, etc.)
- Produce that is nutritious but expensive in stores Vegetables that are efficient in terms of nutrients, space, yield, and value (tomatoes, beets/turnips, zucchini, snap peas, pole beans, carrots)
- Plants with the greatest number of edible parts (like beets, where you can eat the shoots and the roots)
- What can people learn about at the garden?
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- Plant science
- Soil life
- Rainwater storage & usage
- What is the cost of this initiative? Who is covering it?
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- The cost of creating a community space that involves growing food, making arts, etc., is covered by us, the community. Some folks donate time; others support us financially, and others donate materials, tools, and other garden supplies.
- How can I help?
You can donate…
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- Sheet-mulching material (cardboard, wood chips, saw dust, branches, twigs, newspaper)
- Soil
- Soil amendments (compost, worm casings, fish emulsion, peat moss, bone meal, blood meal, kelp meal)
- Plants and seeds
- Decorative material and art (pebbles, art produced from waste, etc.)
- Time
- Brainstorming
- Designing and creating (portions of the garden and/or signs)
- Organizing
- Coordinating
- Getting your hands dirty
- Bookkeeping
- Tracking capital and expenditure
- Tracking event participation for auditing, accounting and rewarding
Your help is greatly appreciated!