Space is still available to purchase a bed in the Newton County Community Garden in Porterdale which officially opened Saturday morning. With more than 1,500 plants donated by The Home Depot and Bonnie Farms and bed footage made from recycled carpets provided by Nyloboard, families began planting their gardens. For just $25 a year, a space can be purchased to plant in. Those interested who cannot afford the annual fee may apply in Porterdale’s City Hall where scholarships are available. All that is grown in the garden that doesn’t go to feed the family will be sold or donated.

"Community gardens are more than just a source for healthy food," said Molly Melvin with Hands on Newton. "They are sources of conversation about what it takes to raise a healthy family and they become gathering places."