The 18th Ward Community Garden, located at 1040 Liggett Ave in Reading, has become a vibrant hub for urban gardening, thanks to the dedication of local community members. This project was highlighted in a recent live video interview between Tanya Melendez, the garden’s founder, and Kylie Paulson, a student in Dr. Radosh’s broadcasting class at Alvernia University. The conversation shed light on how the garden has transformed a once-unused plot of land into a thriving space that provides fresh produce, engagement, and education to the neighborhood.
Tanya Melendez, who spearheaded the project, shared insights into the garden’s development. The garden, which now includes 38 plots and additional garden beds, was developed over four years on land belonging to the Reading Housing Authority. “We took a piece of land and turned it into a massive community garden,” said Melendez, explaining how the idea grew out of a need for more accessible gardening space in the area.
Melendez’s love for gardening deepened during the pandemic. Although she always had a passion for indoor plants, growing food became more significant during that period. She had previously worked with the Victory Task Force for Berks County to distribute small gardens in the Oakbrook neighborhood, which highlighted a community desire for greater access to land for gardening. That need became the catalyst for the community garden’s creation.
The project has been labor-intensive, requiring not just gardeners but also volunteers and paid workers to maintain the momentum. “It was more work than you could ever imagine,” she noted, emphasizing that the effort goes beyond simply planting seeds—it’s a continuous push to involve and engage the community.
Melendez shared some of the challenges faced, particularly with growing tropical plants, which require a long growing season and can only be planted outdoors once the weather is hot. Despite these difficulties, the garden has successfully cultivated a variety of crops, including those from Africa and the Caribbean. She also highlighted the ongoing struggle to manage animals and pests, stating, “You don’t keep them away; you manage them.”
Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire for more space and more gardening opportunities. However, the current garden is at full capacity, and expansion at its current location isn’t feasible.
Melendez mentioned that while they can’t grow further at this site, they are helping other organizations establish their own raised garden beds, such as the Children’s Home of Reading. This initiative aligns with a broader effort to expand urban gardening without needing more space.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding’s visit to the garden marked a significant moment for the project this past summer. Although he couldn’t attend the initial urban agriculture tour, he made a private visit to see the garden and engage with the community. “He had really good questions and was very knowledgeable,” said Melendez, adding that Secretary Redding was keen to understand the challenges community gardens face and how the state could support them. His approach was refreshing for Melendez, who remarked, “He literally wanted answers…that usually doesn’t happen with politicians.”
Looking to the future, Melendez encourages aspiring community gardeners to do their research, especially concerning local regulations, and to apply for grants and funding available for urban agriculture. “Make a list of everything you think you’re going to need, and then just go from there. Just dig in the soil,” she advised.