The document summarizes the opening and operation of two community gardens in Macomb, Illinois between 2010-2012. The first garden opened in June 2010 at a new recreational complex and container gardens were also established at two housing sites. Many crops grew well in wading pools and compost piles. The second garden site opened in spring 2011 on East Wheeler Street near a housing project. By 2012, about 40 families had individual plots and there were also community plantings of potatoes, corn, onions, melons, carrots and pumpkins. Events included an end of season picnic in fall 2012.

1. Opening day for the Macomb Community Garden
June 2010 – site #1 - new recreational complex on East University Dr.

2. Container gardens were also established at Eisenhower Towers
(Macomb) and Fitch Manor (Bushnell) in June 2010.

3. Many crops grow very well in wading pools filled with yard waste compost

5. Crops can also be grown in compost piled on asphalt
Growing Power
garden in Chicago

6. Macomb Community Garden Site #2
East Wheeler St, East of Prairie View Housing Project
Spring 2011 – present

7. About 40 families had individual plots in 2012

12. We also had community plantings of Irish
potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet corn,
onions, melons, carrots, pumpkins and a
few other crops

22. Purple sweet potato cookies

23. End of season picnic – Fall 2012

27. My two favorite heirloom tomatoes are
Amana Gold and Cherokee Purple
These were picked
green due to an
imminent frost but
nearly all ripened
over about a month