By Julia Partain | [email protected]

Sun’s out, fun’s out! Spring has finally dipped its toes into warmer weather, and the growing season is officially here. 

Nothing says springtime like planting a garden (plus the birth of cute baby farm animals, of course). Herriman residents are invited to try out their green thumbs and join the community garden scene.

“The community garden is part of our coordinated efforts for promoting health and wellness in our community, integrating and working with our Healthy Herriman program,” said Assistant City Manager Tami Moody. “It was the joint efforts of the mayor and city manager at that time that brought the garden to fruition.”

Created in 2010, the garden was designed with efforts to provide a space for the community to develop and sustain a garden. As the housing developments took off, city officials and residents wanted to set aside space where locals could garden, even if they did not have space at their residence.

Located at 12733 South Pioneer St., the garden features 48 garden plots, divided into single and double sections. Members are allowed to use one garden plot per household. A deposit is required at the beginning of the season ($40 for a single plot and $60 for double plots) and will be refunded at the end of the season if the gardener remains in good standing throughout the season. Secondary water and a communal shed supplied with garden-wide tools are provided to participants.

“Plots are in high demand, and the garden is usually full,” said Heidi Shegrud, Herriman City landscape architect. “Members must keep their plots well maintained, clear of weeds and debris.”

This site also has a significant place in Herriman’s history. Originally an agricultural community, farming was simply what people did, not only to grow their own food but as a means of income.

“Previously, the location of Fort Herriman in the days of the early settlers, the garden was also created to build a network of people engaged in local gardening, which would not only provide a self-sustained food source but would also facilitate opportunity to share food within the community, to food pantries and to residents in need,” Moody said.

The donation process centers around a designated plot where gardeners are encouraged to plant their extra crops. It is then cultivated and harvested by the committee and volunteers, and the food is donated to local families in need, as well as the Utah Food Bank. 

In 2013, Herriman adopted an ordinance creating a Community Garden Committee, made up of volunteers that encourage public awareness of community gardening and provide oversight of the garden plots. The committee keeps records of members and ensures maintenance, weeding and complete harvesting. They also aid in public awareness centered around the garden and offer gardening tips.

“The Herriman community garden will open for registration starting March 30 for previous gardeners in good standing and April 6 for new users,” Shegrud said. “A spring orientation training is required and can be found at www.herriman.org/community-gardens.”

It’s time to get growing.