A project to distribute native fruit and nut trees to homeowners, community gardens, and land projects in Carbondale neighborhoods and the surrounding region. Our goal is food security, community engagement, and ecological awareness.
2020 ORDER FORM WILL BE UP SOON
how it works:
The Neighborhood Planting Project distributes a limited variety of fruit or nut bearing, bare-root tree seedlings-- we distributed about 300 trees in 2018, 400 in 2019, and will have over 1,000 trees of 12 different species this spring in 2020.
Trees are approximately 2-4' tall and are easy to plant. All trees are American or native varieties which makes them hardy crops and excellent choices for a native edible landscape. We offer planting help to those who may need it, roughly within the city limits of Carbondale (indicate on sign up form). Tree care and resources will be available off and on in the coming years, in coordination with the Washington Street Garden.
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Visit Carbondale's FIRST ever food forest installation across the street from the Eurma Hayes Center on Birch St in Carbondale's northeast neighborhood and other community gardens to see how we can transform our communities into resilient spaces to grow food and restore our connection to the land.
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Want to get involved? Join the Gardener's Guild!
The Neighborhood Planting Project is brought to you by the Washington Street Garden-- a community food project that seeks to recover our connection to the earth, grow sustainable, organic, free food and plant medicine, and build food autonomy in Carbondale and the greater region. Follow WSG on instagram, FB, and check out their website here!
resources blog
SPONSORS
Are you an organization or business who would like to help us build food security? Do you have plants or resources to contribute? Would you like to share knowledge with neighborhood residents in a workshop to promote your services/products? Reach out to us to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
FAQ
Where do I go to get my trees?
The Flyover Social Center @ 214 N Washington St, Carbondale IL 62901 on March 23
How much work is involved in adopting a tree?
As hardy natives the trees won't need a ton of care. If the weather’s dry, a five gallon bucket of water once or twice a week. Some watering is most important in the first couple years, after which the tree starts to get hardier. Extra things you can do to help it thrive are to lay leaves or mulch around the roots in the winter and prune as the years go by (and we’re happy to be a resource for pruning help and suggestions as the plant enters productive years.)
Will I be sure to receive help on planting day?​
We are organizing volunteers from many organizations, community gardens, and various networks. We believe we'll be well equipped to help homeowners plant, as well as plant large scale garden projects. However, please tell all your friends and neighbors we're accepting volunteers on planting day!
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What about hungry rabbits and deer?
Trees being planted in areas with heavy wildlife may need cages installed. We will not be supplying these.
How big do the plants get?
Most trees will get between 6-12', but several will get much taller. See each trees height, spread, and recommended spacing, plus much more planting, harvest, and use information on the resources page.
How do plants pollinate?
Most of the plants are self pollinating. Those that need at least two plants we will be sure to let you know and provide you with at least two. Almost all the plants are also self propagating, with many shooting up sprouts from the base. See more info and specific details on the resources page.
Sun & moisture needs?
Pawpaws like some shade, and then to grow to be more sun-tolerant as they mature – they are an excellent understory planting beneath larger trees. The majority of the trees prefer full sun, but will produce-- albeit less abundantly-- in partial shade. Some will produce better in shade than others. We list the their individual needs on the resources page.
When does harvest start?
You'll be harvesting plum and hazelnut within 2-4 years, chokecherry and persimmon within 3-6 years, paw paw and pecan within 4-6 years. So, it's a long term investment. Plants range from medium to fast growers, and most will grow a few feet per year. Learn more on the resources page.