Inside the Macomb Community Garden
By - Emma Rauschert, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist
Community Garden members planting potatoes together in the share plot.
The Macomb Community Garden is located on 1639 E. Wheeler St. in Macomb. The Community Garden was started in 2010 by a group of WIU faculty and students. Western Illinois University Soil Science Professor Joel Gruver currently manages the garden. Prairie Hills RCD is the fiscal agent for the gardens. The acreage on which the garden is located is owned by the McDonough Housing Authority and was previously a softball complex.
The garden currently has 20 members, each with their plot they maintain. Plots are 10 x 10 feet. There is also a shared plot for the garden community members where they grow onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. Members pay $20 for the first 10x10 plot and $10 for any additional ones for one season. Membership includes access to the tool shed, a water hydrant and hoses, and compost. Members also receive access to the shared plots and a community to share produce, seeds, and knowledge with. The purpose of the community gardens is to encourage and equip community members with the knowledge and tools they need to start their own garden. Joel said that community gardens “provide support and help people to garden however they want. They have their own little piece of heaven.”
Jerry Turner is a community garden member who is 81 years old and still gardening. When asked how long he has been gardening, he said 75 years. He grows cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, radishes, beans, and summer squash in his plot. He comes to the garden a couple of times a day to maintain his section. He preserves much of his produce by canning, making pickles, salsa, and zucchini bread, which he freezes. All of the plants in his garden come from seedlings, which he starts himself.
L-R: William Hughes, Abbi Nordstrom, and Joel Gruver standing in front of the share plot at the Macomb Community Garden.
William Hughes, a 28-year-old, grows cabbage, asparagus, broccoli, cucumbers, habanero peppers, watermelon, and tomatoes in his two plots. When asked what inspired him to start gardening, he answered, “I’ve been interested in gardening for a long time. My grandmother inspired me to grow a garden. I had a garden at my apartment but wanted something bigger.” William’s wife, Brianna, also contributes to the plots. He says he will share his produce with neighbors, making fried cabbage and grilled asparagus.
Abby Nordstrom, 27, is in her second year as a garden member. She grows chard, kale, sunflowers, bush beans, cabbage, and onions. Abby said she enjoys gardening because “the work you put into it makes it taste better. I know what the reward is, and I like to watch the process. I like to be a part of this community.”
Abbi Nordstrom watering her plot at the Macomb Community Gardens.
The Macomb Community Gardens will have a float at the Heritage Days Parade, where they hand out over 1,000 plants. Look for a hayrack float with plants on it! Joel said they decided to hand out so many plants because they wanted people to experience the excitement that plants can bring. “We want to give things that will keep on giving.” The Macomb Community Gardens invites anyone interested in gardening to contact them to reserve their plot today.
The Macomb Community Garden is not a place where the public can harvest. These plots are maintained by individuals who choose what they want to do with their produce. Interested in a plot? Contact info@prairiehillsrcd.org or call 309-833-4747. Interested in learning more? Visit https://www.prairiehillsrcd.org/macomb-community-garden.html for more information. Follow their Facebook page at Macomb Community Garden. Public housing recipients, students, and/or low-income families can receive a free plot. If money is an issue, please reach out anyway. The Macomb Community Gardens do not want money to stop people from gardening. Come plant with us!!