When times are tough, people garden. During World War II, Eleanor Roosevelt planted a garden at the White House, beginning the Victory Garden movement.

Now Michelle Obama has planted one there. On March 31, a handful of area residents gathered at the Batesville public library to explore the idea of beginning a community garden here.

“There's a good number of people who are interested and that's what it's going to take,” said facilitator Richard Cartwright of the Food & Growers Association of the Laughery Valley & Environs. He made it clear he will serve as a resource, but one of the would-be gardeners would have to lead the project.

“With the economy and with people losing their jobs and with (the push for) healthy eating, ... (community gardens) just make sense,” said Geralyn Litzinger, Oldenburg.

Attendees had different reasons for their interest. Jim Kuisel, Batesville, admitted, “I have a love for gardens.”

David Adams, Batesville, said he “learned to hate” working in his family’s garden as a boy. “I've also learned to love a woman who loves to garden.” Wife Mayra laughed, “I kill everything.” The Dominican Republic native wanted to learn how to succeed at growing produce and also was there to translate for interested Hispanics. “Nobody was able to come because of the English barrier.”

Chris Bruns, Batesville, who lives on a wooded lot (fruits and vegetables need sun to grow), said, “I'm interested in organic foods and find it difficult to always locate it around here ... There's something satisfying about producing your own food anyway.”

Roger Boncutter, Oldenburg, reported he’s intrigued by gardening even though “I hate to cut grass. I know that things don't grow in clay.”

Mike and Dawn Buettner, Batesville, also have a shady yard. He observed, “There's just nothing like homegrown produce. (Store bought) is not the same taste.”

Cartwright noted, “The location must be convenient for people.” A year ago, leaders at Southeastern Indiana YMCA were receptive to letting land near its outdoor walking track be used for a shared garden.

“One of the fastest ways to start" one is with raised beds, using concrete blocks or wood as borders, according to him. “All you need is 8 inches" deep of soil, perhaps improved with peat moss or vermiculite.

David Adams asked, “How much land is required?” FGA planners visualized at most 20 5-by-20-foot plots. “Maybe one person would want a couple of beds or two people would share a bed. Those are the types of decisions you'd have to make,” the facilitator said.

“We'd be willing to give a garden spot” in the backyard, Adams said. Their home on State Road 46 near State Road 129 has 2 level acres. “We need to find out who's interested and start planning for the garden.”

Cartwright said there would be less red tape dealing with a private property owner than a board-operated organization. He will look at the site to determine if it is suitable and decide on the number of plots.

Some funds are needed for materials and tools. Attendees will approach area businesses to see what can be donated or obtained inexpensively.

Kuisel estimated it would cost $75 to purchase blocks and soil for an 8-by-20-foot bed.

Cartwright told the Adamses, “You have to get compensated for the water and land use.” David Adams answered, “The land use would be free. That means I don't have to cut” as much grass. A meter could be installed to figure out garden water usage.

Cartwright suggested that to learn more they should go to Vegetable Gardening 101, a free class taught by Matt Nobbe Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m. at the Batesville High School cafeteria. The event is sponsored by FGA, Margaret Mary Community Hospital and the BHS Agriculture Department.

He said for a community garden to succeed, at least five nonrelated adults must be committed. Interested persons will meet again Tuesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at the Batesville library.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.