Ben Piffer/MDN Dina Mogaka, a member of the gardening community, stands next to her family's plot at Rainbow Gardens.
For those interested in gardening but lacking a space to do so, the Rainbow Garden Association offers plots through a rental program run by the Minot Public Library.
Deb Sisco is treasurer of the board that oversees the program and shared some information about how the program works and what participants can expect.
Gardeners have a variety of options: full plots that are 30 feet by 50 feet, half plots that are 30 feet by 25 feet, and boxes that are raised garden beds of various sizes.
According to Sisco, garden plots should be managed by gardeners with some experience, as tasks like weeding and fertilizing a larger plot can be overwhelming for a beginner. “Box plots are a better fit for less experienced gardeners,” Sisco says. “They're smaller, so it's easier to manage tasks like weeding and fertilizing, which can be overwhelming on a larger plot.”
There are 222 lots and 49 boxes available near the South Hill Softball Complex.
Ben Pifher/MDN The large swath of land dedicated to the Rainbow Garden is lined with gardening boxes and plots.
Dina Mogaka, a member of a horticultural community who emigrated from Kenya, was working in her family's field after the recent rains. She said her family plants a variety of vegetables there and they work there to provide fresh produce for the family during the short growing season.
“You need to eat vegetables along with meat to have a balanced diet. You should have vegetables, protein and carbohydrates,” she said.
Thanks to a grant provided earlier this year by the Minot Area Foundation, the eight new boxes were constructed and installed April 1. Funding was raised through a combination of grants, donations and land rental.
Gardens are a great place for deer and other animals to find food, so you do so at your own risk, or rather the risk of your plants. Fences can deter animals, but you must contact the Rainbow Garden Association to get permission and be clear about what can and cannot be used to protect your plot. Remember that gardeners are also responsible for the maintenance of the plot and must keep it clean.
Applications for the program are accepted right outside the gardens. Prices vary from $20 to $100 per growing season depending on the type and size of land rented. Multiple plots can be rented for those looking to grow more food. Swapping and sharing among those with surplus produce is common and encouraged.
Ben Piffer/MDN Dina Mogaka, a member of the gardening community, stands next to her family's plot at Rainbow Gardens.
Ben Pifher/MDN The large swath of land dedicated to the Rainbow Garden is lined with gardening boxes and plots.
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