Church's community garden shares free produce with neighbors

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Looking to reach its neighbors in a unique way, a Sikeston church last year created a garden to share with the community.

Now in its second year, everyone -- from church members and other volunteers to the produce recipients -- is reaping the benefits of the community garden planted at Tanner Street Church of God in Sikeston.

Church member Dave Warren said the community garden was borne out of pastor John Neeley's idea to reach out to neighbors of the church.

"It really was brainstorming and thinking of something nobody else did or does," Warren said.

The church's garden was the result, Warren said.

"It was decided to plant a garden and hand out all of the produce to neighbors. They could enjoy some fresh vegetables -- no strings attached," Warren said.

In the spring of 2012, a garden was planted on the lot adjacent to the church where a house once stood.

Tanner Street Church of God member and experienced gardener Barry Chessor coordinated the garden planting both this year and last.

"I plan what needs to be planted and try to rotate the crops and get the maximum yield from them," Chessor said about his involvement with the garden. "I try to choose plants that are popular like sweet corn and homegrown tomatoes."

Ten to 11 rows of corn, green beans, tomatoes, okra, squash, bell peppers and cucumbers take up almost the entire lot, Warren said.

The garden is maintained by church members and other volunteers from the community.

"We have probably eight or nine different families within the church and a couple other volunteers outside of the congregation," Warren said.

A schedule is made and each family is assigned a week to tend to the garden, which includes watering, weeding and picking produce that is ready, Warren said.

Warren said church members and volunteers are free to give produce to anyone they think might need or enjoy it.

One way Warren said he distributes the produce is by walking the around block and going door-to-door.

"First, they were kind of confused, like 'what's the catch?'" Warren said. "Most people were very appreciative. Some folks were trying to give us donations, but we weren't seeking donations."

Located on the well-traveled Tanner Street, the garden is visible to passersby, Warren said.

Warren estimated that last year the church gave away 25 to 30 bushels of fresh produce.

"We've had no problem giving that produce away, and in fact we haven't had any shortage of volunteers either," Warren said.

Preparations for the garden begin in late February or early March, and the growing season usually wraps up sometime in August, Warren said.

Chessor said he loved the idea for the community garden when he'd first heard it.

"I think people appreciate that kind of thing, and I like to watch it grow," Chessor said. "I just enjoy growing things. I see that as a miracle -- you plant seeds, and they germinate and produce 500 times more than what you started with."

The garden overall is well received by those in the Sikeston community, Warren said, adding he has talked with members of a church on the west side of Sikeston, who support and maintain their own community garden.

"We've been really thrilled at all the responses -- and it's not only for folks who've been willing to come and volunteer. I'm thrilled with interaction we've had with other folks in the community," he said.

The garden has allowed church members to stop and visit with their neighbors, Warren said.

"It's exceeded in the expectations -- and we didn't know what to expect," he said. " ... It's just a chance to meet folks and spread a little Christian love."

Pertinent address:

Tanner Street, Sikeston, MO