1. Community Gardens
  2. Bethel Extension Community Gardens
flowers in a garden

Bethel Extension Community Gardens

The Fairfield County office is located in Bethel, Connecticut. Several programs have offices in this location, including 4H, the Master Gardener Program, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, and Urban Agriculture.

Demonstration Vegetable Garden

community garden in mid summer

The Fairfield County Extension Center site in Bethel is home to an organic Demonstration Vegetable Garden. This garden is tended by dedicated groups of Master Gardeners and produces a variety of produce which is donated to local food pantries. The 3,000 square foot garden was started in 2013 with the goal of improving food security and educating the public about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and best garden practices.

The demonstration garden fulfills its mission of educating the public in many ways. The garden itself showcases a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. It is marked with signs educating visitors on companion planting and integrated pest management. When the garden is open to the public during the Saturday Farmer’s Market, many visitors tour the garden to gather inspiration and ask questions on recommended varieties, gardening methods, and pest management techniques.

Each winter, a group of about 30 Master Gardener volunteers meet to evaluate the previous season and plan for the upcoming one. They track crops in numerous spreadsheets, noting weather patterns and pest issues. They seek out pest and disease resistant plant varieties and early and late season crops to extend the growing season. They implement new methods for increased harvests and productivity. New structures and enhancements are sometimes added. Many are designed as teaching tools that can be shared with the community. Over the years, an irrigation system has been added, numerous trellises, a rain barrel system, a bird proof blueberry enclosure, a rain garden, and other enhancements. Most years, planning and improvements result in an increase in the total pounds of produce donated to the community.