Mosaic Community Land Trust helps Pottstown sow community one garden at a time

Last summer, Andrew Reid, executive director of Mosaic Community Land Trust, grew produce alongside members of the community who rent one of 80 plus garden beds they have available during the growing season.

One who enjoys getting his hands dirty while gardening, Reid was shocked by the output.

“I was amazed at what I was able to produce out of my little plot,” Reid said.

Opening day for growers is around May 25 and reservation of the beds, located among three gardens — two on Chestnut Street and one on West Walnut, is beginning to fill up.

“We’re still accepting applicants for spaces,” he said, adding the fee is $25 per bed.

In addition to the beds they offer that are a standard height of about 10 inches, they offer some beds that are 32 inches above the ground.

“We have eight accessible beds that are taller to meet the needs of those who are mobility impaired,” Reid said. “We want to provide improved access to those in the community that have a harder time using traditional beds.”

Families grow their own produce

The beds are available for use from mid-May through October.

“It’s a great opportunity for families to grow their own produce and put extra nutrition on the table each night,” Reid said.

He’d like to see even more people growing more plants and crops that are significant to them.

“The fun part is hearing why they are growing what they are,” Reid said. “Last year at 615 Chestnut St., we had someone growing birdhouse gourds because they wanted to grow something that could be dried and used for birdhouses.”

Mosaic also offers a CSA scholarship program with produce grown at Tine & Toil Farm in Pottstown.

“This is for those who would otherwise not have access to healthy fresh produce from a CSA, he said.

Those in the Pottstown community who are interested in a CSA subscription can reach out to Reid directly at  executivedirector@mosaicclt.org.

Three-pronged mission

Mosaic’s gardens are just one part of their mission.

“We have a three-pronged mission,” said Tracy Purdy, the president of Mosaic’s Board of Directors. “One is our gardens, another is housing and the third is arts and culture advocacy.”

One of Mosaic’s newest initiatives with their Pottstown Community Arts committee is “Pottstown Arts in the Park,” a free event taking place at Riverfront Park in Pottstown on Saturday, May 11, from noon to 3 p.m.

“We’ll have artisan and craftspeople vendors, art workshops, dance performances and kids’ activities,” Purdy said.

For more information about the Mosaic Community Land Trust, visit www.mosaicclt.org. For information about Pottstown Community Arts, visit www.pottstowncommunityarts.org