CICERO — Across from the Cicero Branch of the Northern Onondaga Public Library (NOPL) lives a Library Farm. It’s an organic community garden on a mission to provide a place for our community to grow, share, and learn about food literacy and sustainable gardening. Starting March 15, the Library Farm is open for enrollment, where individuals from the community can sign-up to “check-out” a plot for the season.

Every growing season, the garden plots of various sizes become available for check-out. That means the library is loaning out raised garden beds for individuals to borrow and try your hand at farming, gardening, and learning about agriculture. There are also community plots where volunteers from the community tend to areas of the garden, helping NOPL grow and distribute organic produce to local food pantries in the area.

Throughout the season, Library Farm Manager Sue Buswell schedules OCRRA deliveries of compost and mulch to help gardeners grow plants organically. There is a water spigot with a hose and a shed full of garden tools to borrow.  Sue also schedules programs throughout the year to educate newcomers on gardening and expose long-time gardeners to new techniques.

On Saturday, March 20, there will be a “Starting Seeds under Lights” virtual program where NOPL will be partnering with Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners to present techniques and tips for seed selection, successful seedling growth, hardening off, and planting times. There will be a free seed packet for each registrant; sign up at nopl.org/events.

If you’re interested in borrowing a garden plot, visit nopl.org/library-farm to download an enrollment form or request a document during a library visit or curbside appointment. The 2021 Library Farm forms are due no later than April 30, but plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up early as spots fill up fast. If you are interested in volunteering or donating items to the Library Farm, contact Sue Buswell at 315-699-2032.