Hershey’s Mill has a community garden situated on approximately 2 acres, located between one of the many Ridley creek branches in the Mill and one of the Hershey’s Mill reservoirs. It is diagonally across the street from the pool and tennis courts and can be accessed by a paved road that runs off Chandler Drive. It is hidden from street view by a row of trees and shrubs. There are almost 170 garden plots that vary in size, but for the most part are either 15’ x 15’ or 15’ x 30’. The gardens are worked by about 190 Hershey’s Mill residents who enjoy getting their hands into Mother Nature’s wonderful soil in their gardens. Each gardener grows a variety of vegetables and flowers of their own choosing. The majority of the rules under which the garden is governed relate to the maintenance of garden plots, common areas and use of pesticides. There are 7 row captains who are assigned 5 garden rows each and “manage” their areas to provide technical help and discuss any issues with individual gardeners.
Garden plots are free of charge and are assigned from a wait-list as they become available. Once assigned, they stay with the assignee until that person relinquishes their holding. The only expenses are plants, seeds, physical additions such as gates, new fencing or any other improvements each individual makes to their space. These improvements stay with the garden. In addition, one can expect to expend plenty of joyful and contemplative time investing the “sweat equity” that it takes to bring forth the bounty of the soil.
Gardeners are responsible for maintenance of their plots and adjacent aisles as well as keeping their plots in order and relatively weed free. This effort does take time and precludes people from being “plant and run” members. In addition, gardeners should not leave mature fruit in their plots to rot. In the past few years we have donated our surplus output to local food pantries. Our contributions in 2024 amounted to over 500 pounds.
We also have a number of social activities during the year including a spring seed exchange, a community soil delivery program and as many as three summer Gazebo parties. Pictures of these can be seen by clicking the link below this article. People on the waitlist are welcome to participate in these activities.
Garden tools, wheelbarrows, gas powered cultivators and the like are available throughout the growing season. These are stored in two community managed sheds, located half way back on the garden access road. There are 8 watering stations located in the middle aisle of the garden and water for irrigation is available as a Hershey’s Mill provided amenity. The garden sheds are open from mid-March through early of December. Water is available from mid-April through mid-November.
To obtain a plot call the Garden Plot Assignment Chair (currently Jim DiCarlo – see HM directory or Guide and Digest for contact information). In most cases you will be placed on the Garden wait-list. In recent history (since COVID) the waitlist is extensive, and it may be over a year until a garden plot becomes available. It therefore makes sense to apply for a plot as soon possible after you settle on your property.