Lethbridge community gardens growing in popularity

LETHBRIDGE – There is a long list of people waiting to grab one of the 95 community garden plots available to rent in the industrial park on the north side.

Over 10 years ago, Herman Neufeld started gardening on a City of Lethbridge community garden plot.

Neufeld says he comes to water his garden three times a day.

“It gives me something to do in my spare time,” he said.

The City of Lethbridge says the plots use a sustainable approach to community gardening and healthy eating is essential for health and well-being.

Neufeld says it seems everyone that plants at the community garden has a speciality. This year he is focusing on the art of growing garlic.

“Garlic is good for you. I use it for cooking and we trade a lot of products here.”

Lethbridge resident Rex Forsyth says he has been planting at the community garden since 1996.

Forsyth’s yard is not large enough to accommodate a garden.

“We have about six different varieties of tomatoes. I got yellow ones, cherry tomatoes, beef steak and every year, I try something new to see how it turns out.”

For many of these gardeners, the opportunity provides fresh air and sunshine. Neufeld says he pays less than $40 a year to the City of Lethbridge to rent the small space and there is even free water.