Oskaloosa Community Gardens

Garden Information and History

When the Community Garden Committee formed in November of 2014, Oskaloosa High School FFA teacher, Bret Spurgin came to the table with ideas and a vision for his students. The Building and Trades class at OHS started building homes with the goal of a Community Garden in the middle. Spurgin thought this would be a great opportunity for his students, gained approval from the superindentent, and they were off!

 

In February of 2015, FFA students helped children at Oskaloosa Elementary School to plant seedlings at the Family Health Night put on by the OES Health and Wellness Committee. These seedlings were maintained by the horticulture class at OHS and transplanted to the FFA Learning Garden. 100% of the produce grown in this garden will be donated to the Ecumenical Food Cupboard and other agencies that service families in need. 

 

In May of 2015, the students planted cabbage, green and red lettuce, a variety of peppers, green beans, peas, watermelon, cucumbers, corn, and over 100 tomato plants. On June 8th, the students picked their first round of harvest. Students plan to pick at least one day per week where produce will be harvested and delivered to their nonprofit partners. The FFA Learning Garden is grateful to have had Blue Zones Project to help by purchasing seeds and a sign to help the identify garden location. 

 

Garden Guidelines

Click the PDF icons below to download the Community Gardens Agreement. Contact the garden facilitator with questions about the FFA Learning Garden Guidelines. Please submit the CG Agreement and waiver to either Suzette Striegel at the Mahaska County Extension office at 212 N. I St, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 or the FFA Garden facilitator (contact information below). For additional information, please contact Mahaska County Extension Horticulturist Suzette Striegel at 641-673-5841 or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garden Contact Information

Address: Located south of Garfield School

Garden Facilitator: Bret Spurgin

Phone: 641-895-2291     Email: spurginb@oskycsd.org

Qualificiations: This garden is only open to OCSD students and FFA members.