Volunteers help prep Sharpsburg Market Garden for season of giving

The Sharpsburg Market Garden turned out 190 pounds of free produce last summer, and organizers hope to give away double that amount this year.

Green-thumbed volunteers showed up April 18 for a successful day of prep at the site along 13th and Middle streets.

“The work day was so satisfying,” garden Manager Ruth Ann McGarry said.

There are 10 newly built beds at the garden, in addition to the handful that were there last year.

Before noon, volunteers mixed soil and filled all the containers. They got a jump-start by planting onions and broccoli that will be ready to be shared before long.

The Market Garden opened last year when the vacant lot became available. McGarry said a robust array of peppers, tomatoes and fruits are grown there and given freely to anyone interested.

McGarry and others host a Friday market night where people can help themselves.

It is the second borough garden, with a pay-to-plant spot situated behind the library along Main Street. There, residents can purchase a bed to grow their own fruits and veggies.

McGarry said that in addition to adult volunteers, several Fox Chapel Area students showed up to help give the Market Garden a spring makeover. She invited anyone interested in attending a May planting event. The date will be announced on the garden’s Facebook page.

“I want to send a heartfelt thank-you to all that helped,” she said.

Earlier this year, the Market Garden received a grant from the Sisters of St. Joseph to purchase supplements and to buy extra soil.

“The money from the grant means that we will have a more productive growing season and a better variety of goods to give the community,” McGarry said. “We welcome any neighbors to help us grow and learn the basics of gardening.”