Newtown Parks & Recreation is hoping to hear from gardeners who would like to participate in this season’s Victory Garden crop, whether they are new or returning to the community garden.

The garden was established in 2011. All produce grown within the garden is donated to three local organizations: FAITH Food Pantry, Nunnawauk Meadows, and Newtown Social Services. In addition to providing fresh fruits and vegetables to some of the town’s residents, the mission of the garden is also to promise sustainable garden practices and build a sense of community for local gardener volunteers.

The Victory Garden is on the Fairfield Hills campus, off Washington Square.

Registration is due to Parks & Rec by March 15. Applications are available at the Parks & Rec office, within Town Hall South, 3 Main Street (lower level). They can also be downloaded from the Parks & Recreation Victory Garden page, newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation/pages/victory-garden.

Residents can register as a group or an individual; groups must assign one person to be the contact person representing the group.

Previous participants can request the same row they worked last year. Rows will be reassigned if registration is not received by March 15.

Gardeners will need to indicate whether they have a vegetable they prefer to grow or if they would like a crop assignment. Newcomers will be asked whether they have experience working a vegetable garden. Assistance from an experienced gardener is available for those who request it.

In addition to adopting a row, general volunteers are also sought.

All gardeners are expected to keep a clean and well-maintained row. Only organic materials and fertilizers are allowed. Gardeners are welcome to make personalized signs to identify their row, in addition to the aluminum signs posted within the garden.

Gardeners are expected to keep their rows free of weeds. Wood chips, mulch, compost, and water will be made available. Gardeners commit to harvest their crops in a timely manner.

The beginning and end of the 2019 gardening season will be announced to those who register to participate. Additional information and activities at the garden will be posted at the garden bulletin board.

For additional information, Victory Garden committee members can be contacted at 203-270-4340 or victgarden17@gmail.com.