Peterson Garden Project Expands to Five Plots And Opens Registration

By Anthony Todd in Food on Apr 3, 2012 3:30PM

The Peterson Garden Project cannot be stopped. The community garden, modeled upon a World War II Victory Garden, operated for two years in its original location at Peterson and Campbell and was a smashing success. Over 100 gardeners grew thousands of pounds of vegetables. We were among them - the Chicagoist garden plot was part of the Peterson Garden Project. Earlier this Spring, they lost the use of their original land. Did they give up? Not a chance - they expanded to five new gardens for 2012.

The garden plots aren't huge or impossible to tend, which makes them a great option for a beginning gardener. We had never put a seed in the ground when we started, but there are tons of events, expert gardeners and other resources to help out. It's also a great place to meet new people. You can grow whatever you want - the only requirements are that it must be edible and organic.

A spot in a garden costs $65, and spaces are still available in four of the five new gardens. A complete map of the locations is on the website, but most of the far north and northwest sides are covered. Each garden is partnered up with an alderman or a non-profit, so if you have a particular interest in working with one of them, check out the listings.