THE GARDENS | eccga

Since 2010, the ECCGA has helped start and support over 160 gardens in Eastern Connecticut. We have worked with gardeners in the community and in schools, social service housing, senior centers, faith-based organizations, and prisons. There are many local organizations such as the UConn Extension Service, Eastern Connecticut Conservation District, and UCONN Master Gardeners who are also ready to assist. The rewards are continuing high quality produce grown economically with camaraderie and improved neighborhood morale.

Schools

Volunteers Needed!

We believe lifelong healthy eating habits start at a young age. Students as young as five years old participate in hands-on learning on how to grow vegetables from seed to harvest. Schools in Groton, New London and Waterford were supplied with raised beds, compost, soil, irrigation supplies, fencing, beneficial insects, tools, seedlings and seeds. Soil tests were done at Logan Labs for a complete analysis of the amendments required to build soil microbiology.

ECCGA fully funded the yearlong Regenerative Farming Methods (RFM) series in collaboration with DPNC Coogan Farm Giving Garden and Farmer Craig Floyd who educates the community on his practice of RFM. Teacher's participation in Regenerative Soil Education programs benefits their students and care of the gardens.

Our collaboration with DPNC, and the Ella T Grasso Technical High School continues, as we fully fund DPNC's Craig Floyd's certificate program to students completing a course in Regenerative Gardening. Craig also taught students in the Vo-Ag program at Ledyard High School an abbreviated version of this course. Students have the opportunity for a hands-on experience at the Giving Garden.