Pequannock Township Community Garden

Pequannock & Pompton Plains magazine caught up with Loretta Terraneo of the PTCG Committee to see how the community garden took root. The garden, which is under the auspices of the town’s parks and recreation department, is fittingly located on Farm Road. It dates back to 2009 when community members and Boy Scouts ready for Eagle Scout projects started the ball rolling.

The garden had a rocky start when concrete was discovered at the site, which made digging almost impossible. The installation of raised beds solved the problem. Today, there are 62 plots. Tomatoes, beans and zucchini are among the leading crops. Gardeners can grow taller plants like corn but must stick to the six-foot height limitation to prevent throwing shade on neighboring plots. The gardeners are excited about the prospect of the local food pantry enacting “fresh” days when they can share their locally grown produce. The garden might see a native plant area added to the property in the future.

“Even though we really do not advertise the garden because we do not have any space open, we still have a waiting list,” says Terraneo. “It’s very popular.”

So, what kinds of threats do gardens face? Though a bear unsuccessfully tried to scale the garden’s fence, the biggest garden pests are of a smaller variety— chipmunks, birds and rabbits. Disease can quickly spread and wipe out crops, so gardeners are vigilant about controlling weeds and disease. There are costs associated with operating the garden. Luckily, garden volunteers have cultivated good relationships with local businesses, which have been generous. The garden property backs up to Van Wingerden Greenhouses and Alan Van Wingerden, now retired, offered his support to the community garden.