DAYTON—Have you been perusing garden seed catalogues and wishing you had adequate space to grow fresh vegetables and fruits for yourself and your family?

The Dayton Community Garden, located on 1/3 acre, off the main entrance on Cemetery Road, may be the answer.

And what could be simpler?

Watermaster Bob McCauley tills the garden, does the watering, and keeps a watchful eye. The only thing required of each gardener is to keep the weeds down, the trash out, and contribute to a “secure, happy, enjoyable place where all can garden and socialize in a peaceful, neighborly manner,” according to the Dayton Community Garden By-Laws.

Plots in the garden are 20 feet square, and are available on a “first-come-first-served” basis, and the cost is $35 per plot. Proceeds go toward the cost of water, advertising, and for general gardening necessities, McCauley said.

The community garden provides space to connect with other gardeners, educational opportunities for youth, increased physical activity, fosters recovery from mental fatigue and stress, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions related to the transportation of food. And, of course, they provide the freshest fruits and vegetables, while saving significantly on the cost of food.

Applications can be obtained when the Dayton Community Garden Board meets at The General Store, at 426 West Main Street, on April 11 at 6 p. m. For more information contact Secretary of the Board Donna Molesh at: (509) 237-4765.