Longport resident Tom Subranni plants his tomatoes sideways so they grow strong and hold up to the wind.
LONGPORT - A handful of volunteers showed up in the park behind Borough Hall Tuesday afternoon to pull weeds, add soil and plant vegetables and herbs in the raised beds of the community garden.
There are nine raised beds at the rear of Borough Hall and residents are encouraged to harvest tomatoes, basil, cucumbers, eggplant, radishes, carrots, and while there pull a few weeds.
The garden was planted under the direction of Borough Clerk Monica Kyle, who purchased the vegetable and herb plants over the weekend and had bags of organic compost delivered to the site.
Commissioner Jim Leeds helps remove weeds from one of the raised garden beds.
Mayor Nicholas Russo and Commissioner Jim Leeds joined Kyle and resident Suzi Lawler in the planting project.
The gardens were built several years ago by the Sustainable Longport green team and are equipped with drip irrigation.
Resident Tom Subranni brought some tomato plants he raised from Burpee seeds, along with some basil and artichoke plants.
Mayor Nicholas Russo and Commissioner Jim Leeds discuss the best way to remove weeds from the garden beds.
He suggested the artichokes, which get very large, be planted in the bed that just happened to be previously occupied by a nest of baby rabbits. One peeked out the corner of the bed with a frightful look, begging to be left alone. Mommy rabbits leave their young alone in the nests and return twice a day to feed them.
"Let's plant them here, because the rabbits won't eat artichokes," he said.
He carefully planted his tomato plants on their sides, which will help them grow strong and stand up to the wind coming off the bay. He also used crushed eggshells to provide nutrients.
From left, Mayor Nicholas Russo, Borough Clerk Monica Kyle, resident Suzi Lawler and Commissioner Jim Leeds.
