By Jaimie Julia Winters
The Kearny Community Garden, officially known as the Edward C. Bixler Community Garden, began in 2013 with just nine gardeners and a simple idea: a shared green space to grow food and build community.
Located at 487 Passaic Ave. in Riverbank Park along the Passaic River, the resident-led garden quickly took root. Within a year, membership grew to about 50 gardeners, and today the garden continues to operate at full capacity each season, often with a waiting list for plots.
“We saw that there were not many third spaces in our community and a lack of natural spaces,” said founding member Erin Beth Donnelly. “So we decided to create one.”
Donnelly said the concept was inspired in part by the writings of author, theorist, educator, and social critic Bell Hooks, particularly her ideas about community-building and resistance through collective action, including gardening.
“A few of us core members got together and drafted a proposal to present to the town, and they granted us permission to start the garden on the land where we currently are,” she said.
A unique way to grow
One of the garden’s defining features is its use of organic straw-bale gardening, a technique that allows plants to grow directly in conditioned bales of straw rather than traditional soil beds.
“We chose organic straw-bale gardening because we wanted to do raised-bed-style gardening without having to build raised beds right away,” Donnelly said.
The method is especially well-suited for urban environments and beginners. As the straw decomposes, it provides nutrients to the plants and creates a fertile growing environment.
“Straw-bale gardening is extremely accessible and fun,” Donnelly said. “All you need are the bales, some chicken manure, plants or seeds — and a dream.”
Over time, the garden has also expanded its infrastructure. Some of the raised beds were built with the help of local volunteer veterans, led by the late founding member Edward C. Bixler, for whom the garden is now named. Additional long raised-bed sections were constructed by Eagle Scouts, including a project organized by Antonio Velez as part of his Eagle Scout program.
A diverse garden community
Today the garden includes about 50 plots rented each season, serving families from across the community.
“There is always a waitlist,” Donnelly said.
The gardeners themselves reflect the diversity of Kearny, and that diversity often shows up in what’s grown in the plots.
“We have a diverse group of gardeners, and it’s one of my greatest joys to be involved with such diversity,” Donnelly said.
Beyond food production, the garden has become a place where people share growing techniques and exchange ideas.
“The garden is a special place,” she said. “I love seeing all the different people sharing their methods and plans.”
Organizers hope to expand the social side of the garden with more community gatherings and events, though volunteer capacity remains a challenge.
“The few of us core volunteers are stretched thin getting the season organized and set up,” Donnelly said. “If anyone is interested in volunteering to organize or promote garden-related gatherings, we would be happy to collaborate.”
A classroom outdoors
Education has always been a central part of the garden’s mission.
Local groups, including Cub Scouts and youth programs, have participated in projects at the garden, helping build beds and contributing volunteer hours.
“The garden has always been intended to serve as a classroom for the community’s schools and youth programs,” Donnelly said. “Education is a cornerstone of the garden’s mission to beautify, educate, and nourish the Kearny community.”
Those connections benefit both the garden and the participants.
“Through youth-led projects and volunteer hours, we’ve had raised beds built,” she said. “Socially, we’re making connections with families in town who continue to stay involved.”
Growing interest in local food
Donnelly believes the strong demand for plots reflects a growing desire among residents to reconnect with food production and green space.
“Modern society has all but destroyed our connection to food production,” she said. “People are meant to grow and preserve food and be connected to the earth. It’s a needed skill that has been eroded by modern convenience.”
Getting involved
The garden operates seasonally and typically charges a small annual plot fee of about $20. Members are responsible for maintaining their plots, while volunteers oversee the garden’s infrastructure, including an automated watering system that helps support gardeners throughout the season.
The garden is generally open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Residents interested in learning more or applying for a plot can contact the garden at kearnycommunitygarden@gmail.com or visit its social media pages for updates.
