Help Grow a Garden, Help Grow a Community

There are few things more rewarding and grounding than growing food with your own hands and sharing it with others. This season, I invite you to join me in a powerful mission: cultivating a thriving community garden rooted in intentional food distribution, gardening education, and open, honest conversations about sustainability, community care, and nourishment.

My commitment to caring for others was planted early, thanks to my parents, who taught me the importance of giving back and supporting those in need. That lesson has stayed with me, and now I feel a deep responsibility to nurture not just soil, but the spirit of my community.

Last season, with limited resources, I was only able to plant watermelon seeds. Yet even that modest beginning revealed the incredible possibilities that emerge when people come together around a shared vision. This year, I’m dreaming bigger: I plan to grow a wide variety of crops; watermelons, beets, carrots, spinach, and more. I want to ensure a consistent supply of fresh, healthy vegetables for free distribution to neighbors in Springfield, Missouri.

The garden is still in its early stages, but its potential is immense. I envision it as more than just a food source. it's a vibrant space for learning, connection, and growth. My goal is to host hands-on gardening workshops, foster meaningful conversations about food justice and sustainability, and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and nourished.

Spanning 43,560 square feet, the garden has ample room to flourish. But with that space comes real responsibility. The Harvest Garden operates on a projected monthly budget of $1,780.50 to sustain its essential activities and maintenance. This includes $700 for community & children workshops,  $40 for plants and seeds, $50 for carbon-rich composting materials, $110 for water, and $100 for electricity. Additionally, $40 is allocated for tools, $35 for pest control products, and $70 for transportation. Administrative and communication needs are supported with $40 per month, while $400 is dedicated to providing food and snacks for volunteers to encourage community engagement and support. A monthly land levy of $195.50 is also factored in, bringing the total annual operational cost to $21,360

In addition to its monthly operational expenses, The Harvest Garden require several one-time investments in essential tools and infrastructure to ensure the garden runs smoothly and sustainably. These include $180 for two wheelbarrows to assist with transporting soil, compost, and harvested produce; $1,000 for two tillers to prepare and maintain planting beds efficiently; and $200 for spades and shovels, which are fundamental tools for daily gardening tasks. To promote water conservation and efficient irrigation, $2,200 will be invested in a drip irrigation system. Additionally, a three-bin compost system costing $3,050 will be established to support on-site composting, reducing waste and enriching the soil naturally. These foundational investments, totaling $6,630 are crucial to the long-term success and smooth operation of The Harvest Garden.

As someone who considers himself a “student of life,” I’ve learned how crucial community support is to efforts like this. Asking for help isn’t easy, especially when it comes to finances. But transparency and collective care are essential if we’re going to build something that lasts.

Community gardens are changing lives across the globe and with your help, we can create lasting change right here in our own backyard. Every donation, no matter the size. It helps this garden thrive and become a beacon of abundance, hope, and healing for those who need it most.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jeffrey Howard