The benefits of growing one's own vegetables is a practice lauded by many as a way to insure that one consumes healthy, fresh foods at a fraction of the supermarket cost. For those interested in taking part in a gardening project in Laurinburg with a group of like minded people, a productive first step may be to rent a plot at the Laurinburg community garden.

Organized three years ago by Sam Thompson, plots are now being reserved for spring planting.

"So far, we have reserved about half of the 63 plots in the community garden, located on Fairley Street in downtown Laurinburg," Thompson said. "This year you can rent a plot for the year at $30 to $55 per plot. You can also purchase drip lines for $2 each that are 25’ long for each row you plant with cut-offs so you can control the water to your plants that will be on a timer."

Thompson said plot sizes have been increased from previous years.

"The plots are bigger than they were last year, ranging from 20 by 25 feet to 25 by 45 feet," he said. "I hope to have everything ready to go by the third week in April; our tentative plant day is Saturday, April 17."

Another positive change, according to Thompson, involves a better watering system for the plots.

"There are improvements this year in the watering systems," Thompson said. "Each plot will have a spigot at one corner to be shared by four gardeners. In addition, we are providing drip lines to be purchased at a discounted price that you can install and forget about watering for the rest of the season. These drip lines will be on a timer system."

All interested gardeners are invited to stop by the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church Office during the week to register.

"Just fill out the paperwork and write a check for the plot and the drip lines you want, and you will be ready to begin," Thompson said. "In addition to the sprinkler system, we have a trailer for tool storage and a covered area with picnic tables for breaks and picnics that was designed as an Eagle Scout project by troop 420 in Laurinburg. We will provide some hand tools, wheel barrows, a tiller, mulch, compost and honey bees."

Thompson called participation in the community garden "a great way to learn about gardening" without having to start from scratch.

"It is also an excellent way to give back to the community in which you live," he said. "You will love eating fresh organically grown produce and in watching your plants grow. If you live in an apartment, condo or house in town with no place for a garden, this can be perfect for you."

Participants are required to give 10 percent of what is grown to charity, and that one's plot be maintained by keeping the weeds and grass down and picked as required.

Thompson acknowledges the assistance of contributors to the community garden project.

"I would like to thank The Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, The Morgan Foundation, Simmons Heating and Air, James Cooley Strawberry Farms, McKenzie Supply, Scotland Feed & Garden Center, Harvey Edge Farms, George Norfleet Bee Keeper, Marcus Norton Farms and several volunteers," Thompson said. "We hope to be able to continue this for the community for years to come."

Visit www.ActiveLaurinburg.com to learn more about the project.

The Laurinburg Community Garden is sponsored by the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church.