Grow This

by Byron Wilkes
July 1, 2009

Community gardens have sprung up across the city in recent months, offering Jacksonians the opportunity to learn about what they put into their bodies and how to grow it. Some can even reap the benefits of their labor. Here’s a rundown of Jackson’s plots.

Rainbow-Tougaloo Garden
Tougaloo College campus
Contact: Michael Gentry, 601-573-7529

A security guard at the Tougaloo campus gate will tell you where to find the organic garden, which is maintained by Rainbow Whole Foods Co-Op Grocery and Tougaloo College. Several community members keep up the garden and welcome volunteers.
• Large garden
• Vegetables, herbs and fruit
• Organic
• Times: Typically Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7-11 a.m., but subject to change. Call for details.
• Volunteers can take away produce.


Medical Mall Garden
Corner of Livingston Road and Melvin Bender Drive
Contact: Tre Roberts, 601-924-3539

The garden serves as a means for young people in the community to reap the benefits of their hard work, and those ages 12-18 can receive a small stipend for the work they put into the garden. Some produce will be sold to the community at discount prices to keep the garden afloat, and future plans include donating some produce to homeless shelters.
• Large garden
• Vegetables
• Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 7-11 a.m.
• Volunteers can take away produce.


Casey Elementary Garden
2101 Lake Circle
Contact: Leslie Coleman, 601-987-3510

Children and their families tend the garden in the summer, but everyone is welcome to come help. The garden serves as a learning resource and artistic stimulus for kids at Casey, and the school gives produce to teachers for Teachers Appreciation week.
• Medium garden
• Vegetables
• Times: Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m.
• Volunteers do not take away produce.


John M. Perkins Foundation Community Garden
1831 Robinson Road
Contact: Main office, 601-354-1563

Young people of varying ages maintain the garden, but volunteers from the community also help. The garden is separated into two plots for smaller and larger vegetables.
• Large garden
• Vegetables, herbs
• Times: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Volunteers can take away produce.


Voice of Calvary Garden
531 W. Capitol St.
Contact: Will Brewer, 601-969-3088

The Voice of Calvary Ministries Garden is located behind the Koinonia Coffee House, and is separated into two octagonal plots maintained by adults and youths. Voice of Calvary Ministries is considering expanding the garden either in the fall or next year.
• Large garden
• Vegetables
• Times: not specified
• Volunteers can take away produce.