Building Community, One Seed at a Time

By Naomi Shea

The season has officially kicked off at Watertown Community Gardens, bringing excitement and potential for new growth—both in the garden and within our community.

This season, we're thrilled to have partnered with Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF), which graciously opened its greenhouse to support our efforts in planting our donation plots. Arsenal Park Community Gardens (APCG) captains, Marilyn and Susan, carefully prepared trays of seedlings at home before transporting them to the greenhouse. These trays included a variety of crops such as lettuces, mixed greens, leeks, onions, tomatoes, kale, chives, parsley, and more!

The WFCF farmers welcomed the additional trays and watered them daily while tending their own farm seedlings. Just a week later, tiny seedlings began to sprout!

The lettuces and mixed greens were transplanted in the APCG donation plot this week, and as the remaining seedlings continue to grow, they will be added to the garden beds tended to by community members of all ages, then harvested and distributed to local food access programs.

This collaboration goes beyond simply growing plants; it fosters connection, encourages resource-sharing, and expands access to fresh food. These shared goals closely align with the missions of both Watertown Community Gardens and Waltham Fields.