Church program gives student his first date with a spade

Besides the city- and University-sponsored community gardens, many other organizations give students the opportunity to better their gardening skills and their neighborhoods.

WEEKEND contributor Derrick Naylor sat down with freshman Joseph Tatum, who got his first taste of gardening with a program run by Memorial Baptist Church in Evansville, Ind. 

Derrick Naylor: What was the purpose of the program?

Joseph Tatum: Over the summer, to gain a few extra dollars, I worked with a local church’s gardening program. It was really just the church trying to give youth a chance to earn money during these times of economic struggle.

DN: Was it challenging?

JT: I had never gardened or planted anything other than a flower in a Styrofoam cup back in second grade. Because of that, I had to really pay attention to those around me. It was never an extremely hard skill to pick up, but in a matter of hours it became second nature.

DN: What effect do you think the garden had on the surrounding community?

JT: I think that in the inner-city, where people have to worry about things as simple as where their next meal will come from, beautiful scenery can offer a beacon of hope. The people deserve to at least look at something more than busted sidewalks and broken glass when they walk down the street.

DN: What effect did you have on the environment?

JT: Planting fruits and vegetables as well as plants and flowers will eventually increase the air quality in the smog-filled inner-city. Also, seeing a more serene surrounding will influence the people to respect their environment more and pollute less.

DN: What made this experience personal for you?

JT: Well, I obviously needed the money, but it was a great experience because the weather was nice. I made new friends who shared my need for money and life struggle in general. By the time the job was done, I discovered I had developed a passion for what I was doing, where in the beginning it was just work.

DN: Would you do it again?

JT: Absolutely. Though it can be time-consuming, it’s a great way to meet people and enjoy the good weather. It also turned out to be much more of a workout than I expected.

DN: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start gardening?

JT: I’m no expert on the subject, but I think all it takes is patience and dedication. Anyone can plant something. You are basically creating a life and allowing it to prosper.