What began as a simple flyer initiative and a collaborative project with Urban Regional Extension Agent Hayes Jackson in Calhoun County, the Hobson City Community Garden has transformed into a community garden rooted in purpose and cooperation. It quickly became more than just a visual focal point—it became a place of nourishment and community.

Centering on Community Needs

The Hobson City Community Garden operates on the principle of sweat equity. That means that volunteers who tend the garden are welcome to share in the harvest. This model, combined with a no-cost policy, particularly supports seniors and homebound residents.

As the Library Director Sharron Thomas once shared with the Calhoun Journal, “The garden is part of an outreach from the library for the city.”

Bountiful Harvests

One summer, the garden produced over 625 pounds of fresh produce, including tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, beans, and okra. This abundance benefited at least 85 families, with additional sharing taking place throughout the neighborhood. So far in 2025, 500 pounds of fresh produce have been distributed, benefiting 70 families. This is important since Hobson City has low-income, low-access areas. Additionally, volunteers have accrued 166 volunteer hours, and the fall harvest has yet to come.

The Hobson Community Garden also earned the Search for Excellence honor in a state-level Master Gardener Volunteer Service competition, standing out among gardens in all 67 Alabama counties.

Looking to the Future

Building on past accolades, the project is now submitted for an international competition featuring entries from the United States, Canada, and South Korea. The community garden will also be featured in a documentary on Alabama Public Television.

2025 Expansion Plans

For the current growing season, the garden stepped up its game:

• New plantings. Beans, tomatoes, and peppers are in the ground.
• Companion planting. Marigolds and basil, which are natural insect repellents, are part of the mix.
• Future expansion. Plans now include in-ground plantings (e.g., okra and corn) that go beyond just raised beds.
• Volunteering. Garden days are organized on Tuesdays starting at 7 a.m., with plans to add more days to fit diverse volunteer schedules. We meet quarterly to discuss plans and past impacts.

A Model Community Garden

The Hobson City Community Garden is an excellent model for other community gardens for the following reasons:

• It produces hundreds of pounds of fresh produce each year for individuals and families in need.
• It serves as a source of healthy food in the midst of a food desert.
• It fosters volunteerism through hands-on involvement that creates meaningful experiences and tangible results.
• It serves as both a beacon of achievement as an award-winning garden and a testament to what a small town can accomplish.

Contact Hayes Jackson, Calhoun County Extension office, at (256) 237-1621 for more information.