Amanda and her husband Andrew created and maintain the Read Community Garden at Read Elementary, Algoma Blvd. in Oshkosh.

I participated in the Unconference on May 30th at Algoma Bld Church. Amanda led a session on community gardens. When she mention the garden was right next door at Read Elementary I asked if we could see the garden they created.

Amanda and Andrew started the garden 5 years ago. They involve the Read Elementary students in the planting, growing and care of the garden through the school’s after school program. The food that is grown in the garden is harvested and shared with the students and their families.

A quick history on the garden from Andrew

In 2023 Read school was planning an overhaul of their grounds. I had approached them about donating my extra greenhouse and they asked if I could help with the raised garden beds they had as well. Well, those beds were totally rotted out so I offered to build them new ones since I had built several in my backyard. My backyard ones have been holding up pretty well but the Read location is a different microclimate and the Cedar is struggling to handle it so we might need to replace with some metal ones I’m acquiring through Birdies. 

Amanda and Andrew would love to have some help with regular watering. If you would like to volunteer please let us know.