The Community Gardens of Hancock County is gearing up for its eighth year.

This year the gardens, located at the Family Center (1800 N. Blanchard St.), will have more than 50 plots available sectioned into a variety of plot sizes, mainly 10 feet by 10 feet.

The Community Gardens of Hancock County is under the management of the Halt Hunger Initiative and is working toward its goal to educate and equip individuals and families to be food secure.

In the past five years, over 20,000 pounds of produce has been donated from the gardens back to local food pantries.

The Community Gardens is open for anyone to apply, but low-to-moderate income families and/or those on assistance will be given preference.

Agencies, organizations, churches, or youth groups that want to grow a plot and donate at least a portion of the produce to those serving food-insecure families may apply as well.

There is no cost to apply, and applications will be accepted now through April 15th, 2022.

Applications can be filled out online by clicking here.

If you cannot access an online application, call the United Way of Hancock County office at 419-423-1432 or visit the United Way of Hancock County office at 318. W. Main Cross St., 2nd Floor, to access an application.

Gardeners can anticipate accessing their plot in early May through the end of October.

For those who have never had a garden, Master Gardener Volunteer Karl Farwig says beginning gardeners should plan on spending five to 10 hours a week working in their plots.

“That timeframe will vary depending on the size of the plot and the plants they are growing,” Farwig said.

For more information, contact United Way of Hancock County at 419-423-1432 or email Taylor Coote, Community Impact Director, at taylor.coote@uwhancock.org.