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Tarpon Seeks Proposals From Veggie Growers

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: February 7, 2009

TARPON SPRINGS - When people consider the possibilities, the city's plan to provide green space to individuals, groups or businesses interested in starting a vegetable garden might grow on them.

Interim City Manager Mark LeCouris said the city recently issued a request for information to determine the public's interest in starting hydroponic vegetable gardens on city property.

In addition, the city is interested in suggestions for traditional soil-based gardens on public land, LeCouris said.

The city has several parcels that can be used for growing vegetables and will likely identify additional areas or acquire land through foreclosure, LeCouris explained. City officials recently voiced interest in utilizing some of the municipal green space to produce vegetables.

While staff will spell out the specifics in a report to the City Commission, the basic idea is growing vegetables on city property. The produce could be used by individuals, sold to the public or even supply area soup kitchens and markets.

"We want to hear what ideas are out there," LeCouris said. "We are open to listen to all suggestions."

City staff recently received a few replies to its request for information and will soon issue a report on the findings, LeCouris said.

City Commissioner Robin Saegner said in an interview Monday community gardens can provide residents with a sense of community along with sustenance for their tables.

While the gardens can be hydroponic, in which vegetables are grown in a controlled watery environment, she likes the idea of using the old-fashioned method of planting and harvesting in soil.

Private vegetable gardens are sprouting up all over the city, as people realize it is an inexpensive way to put food on their table. For some it is also a good way to supplement their income by selling their bounty to green markets, Saenger said.

The city has many parcels on which vegetables can be grown. The preliminary concept is individuals will be able to lease space, for a minimal amount, and plant squash, zucchini and other vegetables for their own use or for sale.

Community gardens can sprout up all over the city, such as in a city-owned parcel near the Boys and Girls Club, Saenger said. Youngsters in the club could potentially grow their own vegetables.

In addition, students in the culinary program at Tarpon Springs High School could grow their own produce and reduce the need to purchase many of the vegetables they use, she explained.

"We have to think of ways that the city can help the community sustain itself in these tough times. A community garden can put good food on their table," she said.

"People I have told about the idea are very excited about the possibilities," she said.

Saenger said she is eagerly awaiting the staff's report on the gardening proposal.

Saenger would also like the city to have its own green market, like those in Dunedin, Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Some of the produce grown in the local gardens could be sold at the green mart, she said.

In a related matter, Saenger said she has not given up on her quest to permit people to keep one or two chickens in a residential area to provide them with eggs. The city has to provide ways for people to be able to feed themselves and their families in these tough times, she said.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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