Nestled into rows of rich black dirt are 500 tomatoes, 500 lettuce heads, 500 green bell peppers and 280 red creole onions, all planted March 24–25.

But this is not a typical garden. This one was created to grow fresh produce to donate to local food banks so Pflugervillle families in need can have more produce options.

"The tomatoes alone, if they all make, will create 5 tons of food," said Paul Weitkemper, one of the initiators of the food bank plot at Pecan Street Community Gardens.

Paul and Kelley Weitkemper had heard a story about the couple that opened Storehouse food pantry because they saw a need, so they decided to help the community, too, Paul Weitkemper said.

"So we went to talk to one of the local area food banks and asked if they'd like access to more fresh produce, and they said yes," Paul Weitkemper said.

"This is certainly something we want," said Sandra Cochrun, co-founder of the Storehouse Food Ministry in Pflugerville. "We think it's a phenomenal idea."

After deciding they wanted to start a garden to feed food banks, the Weitkempers contacted Jim Bowlin, director of Pflugerville's Parks and Recreation Department. Bowlin was able to set the couple up with a plot of donated land and put them in touch with Eddie Garcia, Pflugerville Community Services coordinator.

Garcia oversees the Pecan Street Community Gardens, where Pflugerville citizens can purchase plots to grow plants for their personal use. The gardens are located inside Northeast Metropolitan Park near the intersection of Toll 130 and Pecan Street at 15500 Sun Light Near Way.

"The overall purpose initially was to give citizens of Pflugerville a chance to raise their own produce and do some networking with other residents," Garcia said. "But this new plot is a win-win for everybody."

After securing the land for the garden, one person after another chipped in, including Paul and Janet Berlind, owners of Grateful Growers in Leander. The Berlinds offered to grow the initial crop of the garden in their high-end, 312-foot-by-82-foot greenhouse—typically used to grow seasonal flowers sold to landscapers—and donated it to the food bank garden.

"I just saw a good opportunity for community service," Paul Berlind said. "And I'm just happy to be a part of a good project."

Then the Weitkempers and a farmer named Russell Mims transferred this crop to the plot on March 24–25, mostly in the pouring rain.

"The most rewarding thing is finding out how many people truly care about their community," Paul Weitkemper said. "Every day we hear the world is going to ruins, but it seems that most people want to help if you just give them an opportunity."

In fact, even owners of the personal plots in the community gardens have offered to donate any extra produce to the food banks, Kelley Weitkemper said.

"One of the gardeners has already donated some fresh lettuce to the Storehouse pantry," said Cochrun.

Now the Weitkempers, who admit they know very little about gardening themselves, need volunteers to keep this garden going.

"Weeding is going to be constant, and there'll be harvesting, replanting, transporting the produce—the more people we can get to help the better," Weitkemper said. "We can also teach them how to farm. I know I'm excited about learning to grow food."

The gardens are routinely locked, so those interested in volunteering should call 965-3553. The labor is intensive and volunteers should wear shoes they can get muddy and a pair of gloves, Paul Weitkemper said.

Those interested in buying a plot at Pecan Street Community Gardens should contact Eddie Garcia at 990-6355.