The Dominican Sisters have a long history of growing organic vegetables in small gardens. In 2003 we began a community garden project, in which we raise food with and for recent immigrants and/or refugees who participate in the production. The 2004 community garden will be expanding the previous 1-acre of production, which includes row vegetable crops, curved raised beds, and a small forest garden. The community garden operates under USDA-NOP defined organic management practices, BioDynamic® and Permaculture® guidelines, but we are not third party certified. We maintain an Organic Systems Plan as required under 7 CFR 205.201, but presently enjoy the 205.101 exemption from certification. We produce a wide diversity of vegetable and herb cultivars using the BioIntensive® raised bed method.

We minimally market through the Clintonville Community Farm Market, and an on-farm market stand. The purpose of this operation is to feed the hungry. We achieve this mandate through pro bono distributions to food pantries, and direct distribution to our immigrant participants.

Our gardening activities include greenhouse management, transplanting, direct seeding, soil preparation, cover cropping, irrigation management, cultivation, weed and pest control, harvesting, processing, distribution, marketing on-site and at a community farm market, overall garden design, record keeping and volunteer education. A volunteer will learn skills applicable to organic certification, market and CSA garden management.

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For a description of our Community Garden as it was during the summer and fall of 2003, see the 2003 Summer Newsletter