NaperGardens

The Community Garden Plots are a program of Naperville Park District. The program was founded in the 1970's, but its popularity mushroomed after movement of the program to the West Street site it now occupies, adjacent to Edward Hospital. There are 558 garden plots divided into two sections, North and South.

Our current site is key to the success of the program. Prior to its use as garden plots, it was operated as a commercial farm. It is the wonderful Illinois topsoil, three to four feet deep, capable of supporting the growth of any plant or vegetable. Gardeners plant hundreds of different varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Everything grows beautifully, and at harvest time people can be seen taking bushel after bushel of fresh corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and potatoes from the site.

What cannot be used is donated to local charities. In 2008 more than fifteen hundred pounds of vegetables were delivered to local charities by individuals, clubs and church groups. Since production is so high, many of the gardeners freely give vegetables to neighbors and friends in Naperville. Hordes of children visit to harvest pumpkins in October, often carrying them away in their wagons.

The key to success of this program is our site. It is centrally located and fertile. Other sites recommended as replacement sites are very remote from central Naperville, primarily grassland, not farm-quality as is our current site.