It's the perfect time of year to plant peppers, tomatoes, zucchini and squash, but Gainesville residents are not taking full advantage of their gardening opportunities, according to Susan Vince, treasurer of the UF Organic Garden Cooperative.
The cooperative has eight plot vacancies to fill - an unusual situation at this point in the year.
"It's not that people haven't enjoyed the experience," Vince said. "It's just circumstances that they have to leave the plots."
Vince said with rising grocery costs, gardeners may find it economical to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
"It's amazing how much you can grow just on a 12-by-25-foot plot," she said.
Each plot costs $15 for six months. Since the garden operates as a cooperative, members receive water, manure, equipment and some seeds for free, but they must participate in one community workday per month. Gardeners do not need to be members of the UF community.
Those interested are invited to attend the next workday on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the garden, located on Southwest 23rd Terrace about a quarter-mile south of Archer Road.
