Want-to-be gardeners will have to look at other alternatives if they hoped to get their hands dirty with the City of Red Deer’s garden plot program this summer.
More than 180 garden plots in three locations were sold out as of Tuesday for the 2012 gardening season, said Cheryl Adams of the Parks Department.
“It is very popular for sure,” she said on Wednesday.
Fifty-eight per cent of the garden spaces at Parkside Gardens at 5320 67 Street, Red Deer College Gardens at 100 College Boulevard and Piper Creek Gardens on 40th Avenue, south of the City’s Waste Management Facility, were renewed by people who gardened in 2011.
“The remaining 42 per cent was left for the public to scoop up and they did,” Adams said.
A large plot, approximately 10 metres by 12 metres, cost gardeners $37.50 for the season.
A medium plot, approximately six metres by 10 metres, was $23 for the season.
The gardens will be available for planting on Saturday.
“At this point we are pretty much prepared and from all appearances everything will be ready,” Adams said.
A variety of people were interested in taking advantage of the plots, some of whom wanted enough space to plant more vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, peas and beans, Adams said.
In the past, there have been circumstances where some gardeners are unable to keep their plots; therefore, for those who are still interested, Adams suggests they contact the Parks Department at 403-342-8303 if they wish their name be put on a waiting list.
jjones@www.reddeeradvocate.com