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About Us

Pathway Community Garden

15885 Lackman Rd, Olathe, KS


Our Short History

The Pathway Community Garden is a place where neighbors can come together shoulder to shoulder, plunge their hands into the soil, curse at weeds and share real-life stories like human beings have done for thousands of years while making the world a little bit greener, a little more beautiful, a little more flavorful, and a little more human.


We began in 2008 motivated by the desire to give back to our neighborhood. This property, which was previously a cow pasture, seemed like it would be an ideal and fertile location for a community garden. So we placed a sign by the side of the road and were surprised by an overwhelming response from the community. Our community consists of experienced and beginning gardeners, few of whom attend Pathway Community Church. If you decide to join us, one thing we can guarantee is that we are all learning and “growing” together.


Gardening Season

For those who have paid this season's fee and deposit, the garden is open for gardening beginning March 1. The garden will close on November1 unless the Garden Committee has given permission to continue past that date.


Gardening Practices

Our gardeners agree to use only the following chemicals for their gardening unless otherwise approved by the gardening committee. In addition, gardeners may use any organic methods.

  • Pesticides:Both Rotenone and Sevin are acceptable for pesticides. They both are non-toxic and biodegradable.

  • Herbicides: Gardeners can use Roundup.


Plots

We have 38 plots, each approximately 200 sq. ft.


Lockers

There is a shed to the North of the garden that contains lockers for our gardeners' use. Each gardener is assigned one locker to store his/her own tools, gloves, seeds, etc.


Water

There is a water spigot located centrally in the garden with hoses that extend to each section of the garden. There is no extra charge for water.


Tools

We have an assortment of tools for community use as well as a tiller, wheel barrow and garden cart. The tools are located in lockers AA-DD.


Application and Fees

Please send in your completed application and fees asap to secure your spot in the garden. This year the fee is $40.00 per plot plus a refundable deposit of $30.00. Plots are assigned on a first come first serve basis.


Estimated Time Commitment

At the beginning of the season, visiting the garden a few times a week would suffice, depending on the amount of watering needed. Once the growing season is in full swing, it can easily take a visit every-other day in order to stay on top of weeding, watering and harvesting. This is an estimation not a requirement.

We do require attendance at 4 garden work days to help keep up with general garden upkeep of the common areas.


Garden Work Dates
We hope the garden work dates will be helpful to each gardener individually as well as to the community.  These times will provide good opportunities to share ideas and discuss solutions to any problems (like squash bugs!) we have in common. 

The following dates have been set for work days, all Saturdays  8:00am – 11:00am.  We strongly encourage you to attend the first and last work days if at all possible. Of course, we will gladly welcome and appreciate any help above and beyond the minimum requirement. 

March 24

April 28
June 2
July 14
August 25

October 6


You may also sign up to take care of general upkeep of the garden during a week or 2. To fulfill a work day requirement this way, you will complete general upkeep of the common areas for your week. The tasks include mowing, watering flower gardens, weeding and general clean up.


Soil Amendment
We do not amend the soil but you may do so on your own. Olathe Waste Recycling Center, located at Hedge and 127
th St, has free compost available for all Olathe residents. See www.olatheks.org for more information.

We have not made any arrangements for tilling the soil, except that you may use the tiller at the garden in the shed.

Donating Produce

As you are planting your garden this season, please consider planting a row of your garden or several plants for the area food pantries. The highest needs for produce include tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, dry beans and kale, but you can definitely donate other produce as well.


Need Help Getting Started ?

We have multiple resources on our website. Follow the Planting and Gardening Guides link.


The K-State Extension Office in Johnson County www.johnson.ksu.edu has many resources to get you started including a gardening hotline. All of their information is based on research specific to our geographic region.


Message from the Master Gardener Hotline
Do you have a lawn or garden question such as: What do I plant? How do I plant? What's eating my plant?
If so, call the Extension Master Gardener Hotline. We are ready to help you solve your growing concerns. Whether you contact us by phone, e-mail or in person, Extension is your source for non-biased, researched-based answers to your questions.
The EMG Hotline is available year-round to meet all your lawn and garden needs. So, give us a call, send us an email, or stop in and see us. We're here to help!
The Hotline is staffed by trained EMG volunteers and Extension staff who will assist you with questions.
Phone: (913) 715-7050
Email: garden.help@jocogov.org