History of the Garden

Submitted by PK on Sat, 04/14/2012 - 9:50am

Last edited by nandita at Sun, 04/15/2012 - 12:17pm

Jeff Gerson, a VISTA volunteer, brought the "rent-a-garden" concept to Pittsburgh inner city residents in the spring of 1978 with the goal of providing garden space for people in apartments. In the first year, by Gerson's estimate, 10 to 15 tons of food was produced. Including Homewood, there were an over 230 plots spread over 3 community gardens in 1979.

Each plot cost a hefty sum of $5 ($2 for seniors), and came with perks like 10 packets of seeds and all the cow manure they could use!

The articles listed below quote gardeners as being not at all frazzled by the proximity to tombstones, better tasting produce and the rewarding experience of enjoying an activity with their children.

Here are a couple of articles reported in 1979.

1. Cemetery Ground Dug For Gardens