Illinois Department of Agriculture issued the following announcement on March 11.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is actively seeking individuals or families who are interested in starting their own garden to raise fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture's Community Garden is located on the infield of the Illinois State Fair Grandstand racetrack and features 200 garden plots. Of those plots, 100 are designated for organic gardening, and the remaining 100 plots are assigned for non-organic gardeners.
"This year more than ever we have seen people take an interest in growing their own food," said IDOA Acting Director Jerry Costello. "We are excited to provide a large number of plots to allow residents, whether they are expert gardeners or just starting out to plant and harvest healthy, locally grown foods."
Each plot costs $20 and can be tilled for you for an additional $20. The Department will supply water and compost free of charge. Due to COVID-19 restrictions gardeners must provide their own tools.
There will be no orientation meeting this year because of Covid-19 concerns. Those interested in participating in the 2021 growing season are encouraged to fill out a garden application located on the IDOA website https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Consumers/CommunityGarden/Pages/Documents-Forms.aspx.
Completed applications and payments can be returned by mail or to the front desk at the Illinois Department Agriculture at the John R. Block Building, Attention: Community Garden, 801 E. Sangamon Ave. Springfield, IL 62794.
Weather permitting the Community Garden will open on March 13th. If you would like more information about this year's Community Garden, visit the IDOA website or contact the Department at (217) 785-8300.
Original source can be found here.
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