FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The Fairhope-based nonprofit group, Local Food Production Initiative, is now accepting applications for garden plots in a downtown community garden.

“If all goes well, preparing the site and constructing and filling the raised beds will happen in February and March,” said Elaine Snyder-Conn, community garden manager. “Our hope is to have the site ready by the end of March in time for spring planting.”

Located on Summit Street in Fairhope between Morphy Avenue and St. James Avenue and behind the K-Center, the community garden will offer 20 individual garden plots. Any Fairhope resident may apply for one of the garden plots, and if more than 20 applications are received, LFPI will draw names to determine the plot assignments on March 7.

This is our second community garden project” Snyder-Conn said. “The first one opened last September at Homestead Village. The new one will also contain 20 plots. Demand for plots at the first one was high, and we’ve had people on the waiting list from the outset. We believe there will also be high demand for the Summit Street Community Garden.”

Each gardener pays $30 per year for a garden plot and provides any seeds, plants, fertilizer and other needs. Payments for the new community garden will not be due until the site is ready for gardening.

“Through its community garden program, LFPI aims to provide greater opportunities for Fairhopers to garden in a healthful, sustainable manner,” said Jo Ann Wettlaufer of LFPI. “This new garden will fit in well with Fairhope’s thriving downtown area. Community gardens like the one at Homestead Village become active social meeting places where people can learn from each other as well as making new friends.”

In cooperation with Baldwin County Master Gardeners and others, programs are offered to educate community gardeners about organic gardening practices and other aspects of gardening on the Gulf Coast, Wettlaufer said.

Funding for both community garden projects comes in large part from grants by the Gulf Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council. Donations from individuals and businesses provide additional assistance, according to LFPI.

The city of Fairhope is assisting with site preparation at the Summit Street garden.

To apply or for more information, visit www.FairhopeLocalFood.org to print an application form, or call Wettlaufer at 251-928-8646.