ABOVE: Jerry Smestad sets up a fence around his plot at the Heritage Acres Community Garden.

FAIRMONT – The Community Garden at Heritage Acres has 110 20×20 plots for farming, of which only around 30 are left open.

Anyone can reserve a plot to grow fruits, vegetables or flowers. Heritage Acres President Jerry Simon said they started preparing the field two weeks ago. Last week, volunteers took around four hours to plant wooden stakes for the borders of each plot.

Each reserved plot is designated with a red flag. Besides that, not much has been done on the grounds currently. Simon said many were waiting until the weather warms up for good to plant to their heart’s desire.

“A lot of times I get mine in the first of June when the ground is warm,” he said. “Right now, ground is cold. Used to be you get stuff here in here like potatoes by Easter. We’ve had them come up Easter, and they all freeze off.”

When they do plant, Simon said there is a large variety of interests for the different farmers.

“All different kinds of squash,” he said. “Tomatoes, for sure. Green beans, carrots and a lot of flowers. Some try pumpkins. You’ll see everything out here. Beets, rutabagas, string beans, cucumbers, onions.”

With the soil and conditions they have, Simon said viney plants like tomatoes and cabbage grow best.

Simon said they do get their fair share of animals. He said people have tried to grow corn in the past, only to have it destroyed immediately by deer.

To combat this, some have placed fencing or electric wire around their field to deter deer from investigating. For a more natural solution, Simon said people have planted Marigolds to keep away both deer and rabbits, who can avoid wire and dig under fencing. Because of this, he said Marigolds have been the most popular flower in the garden.

Besides this, they have had to contend with thieves on occasion. For the Heritage Acres Community Garden, “Community” means people can grow food for free. Simon said some have come thinking community means what’s grown in the garden is for whoever to take.

While there are no special events surrounding the garden, Simon said it has been a surprise object of curiosity for those who come for different reasons. Some have made the community garden a tradition, planting for the last 10 years or more.

“It’s been fun,” he said. “It’s like a big family out here. We haven’t had too many new people,”

For more information or to reserve a plot, call 507-236-1257 or visit http://www.heritageacresmn.com/