I wanted to grow my own veggies this year, so last Thursday I drove out to Golden Hills Farm to check out their plots. Figured I’d share how I picked mine.
First, I asked the manager for their options sheet. They offer three main types:
- Beginner Plots: Small, pre-dug beds near the water spigot. Costs $40/month but you gotta bring your own seeds.
- Family Plots: Twice as big with free compost delivery. Runs $65/month but gets afternoon shade – perfect for tomatoes.
- Premium Rows: Full 20ft rows with drip irrigation installed. $90/month, but man, that’s steep for radishes.
I grabbed a measuring tape and walked each section. The beginner spots were muddy near the faucet – saw someone’s kale floating yesterday after rain! Family plots felt solid, soil crumbled nice in my hand. Premium rows? Fancy pipes, but the east fields get that morning frost. Nope.
Chatted up Martha at Plot #12 – she’s gardened here five years. Told me beginner plots get trampled when school tours come through. Her advice? “Pay extra for the family size or your zucchini gets stomped.” Noted.
Finally pulled out my phone calculator:
Beginner = $40 + $15 seeds = $55
Family = $65 all-in
Premium = $90 (overkill for me)
Signed up for a family plot next morning. Manager tossed in free tomato cages when I helped move some compost bags. Pro tip: Always ask what chores get you discounts! My beans are already sprouting. Just remember – measure twice, buy once.