Horses Return to Trenton to Kick Off Spring Gardening

Trenton, N.J. – Isles Garden Support Network, helping community and school gardens grow since 1981, invites you to experience farming the old-fashioned way! On Tuesday, April 5, 2022, a team of horses and staff from Howell Living History Farm will plow the community garden at 81 Chestnut Avenue (between Walnut Ave. and Greenwood Ave.) from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Rain date will be either Wednesday, April 6 or Thursday, April 7, depending on conditions.

The Chestnut Avenue garden is the largest and oldest of more than 70 community and school gardens in Trenton, and it has hosted Howell Living History Farm plow teams for the majority of the 30 years that the event has been happening. Operated by the Mercer County Park Commission, the Farm demonstrates farming techniques used in the U.S. at the turn of the 20^th century and in many parts of the world today. Local school groups will participate in the hands-on event by helping guide the horses and learn about corn shelling, composting, beekeeping, and more.

“It’s an incredible day where school kids, farm staff, and community gardeners learn and work together to build a better future through food. We are proud to share this tradition with Howell Farm and the community. The day happens quietly year after year, but carries a powerful significance that transcends generations as well as urban and rural landscapes,” says Jim Simon, Deputy Director of Community Planning at Isles.

Isles provides a range of training and support to people who grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables in seventy community and school gardens. Gardeners harvest more than 20,000 pounds of fresh produce each year, increasing food access and improving food quality in Trenton.

This event is free and open to the public. For more info, including how to join a community garden, please call 609-341-4724.