Whether it’s the economy, the First Lady’s inspiration or just a hunger for fresh, really local food, home gardening across the country is up 40 per cent and seed source businesses are booming. According to food writer Michael Pollan, for an investment of about $80, you will get $600 worth of local, delicious produce in a typical home garden.

But what if you don’t have enough space or for a backyard garden? Consider community gardening.

There are eight plots still available at Native Earth Teaching Farm, along North Road in Chilmark.

“It’s a really good thing for beginning gardeners,” says owner/farmer Rebecca Gilbert, who says you see all the successes, failures and ideas of your fellow gardeners. “I learn a lot from the community garden.”

The plots at Native Earth come ready to plant. They are fenced, composted, renewed with a cover crop in winter and tilled in the spring. The cost per plot is $100. In addition, this year community gardeners can sell their excess produce at the Native Earth farm stand. “I think a good gardener can make their money back,” says Ms. Gilbert.

To reserve a plot, call 508-645-3304 or e-mail rebeccanetf@hotmail.com.