While up at my community garden today, and dealing with the almost daily weeding task, I thought about those who have attempted to garden only to be discouraged by the amount of work it takes.
Yes, gardening is fun for some of us. But, we have to have patience, to wait for those plants to mature. We also have to have dedication. To go out there in the heat or the rain or the cold, to weed and water.
We had a few changes at our community gardens already this year. It is a daunting task when you begin. Before you figure out the rhythm necessary to keep it going. To keep it weed free. To keep it pest free.
To harvest during the peak season. To protect it from the elements.
Still it is rewarding when you get that bumper crop. When the tomatoes start to go nuts.
When the zucchini are out of control.
I find it therapeutic to weed. To spend the time nurturing those plants.
And right now it’s fun to watch those baby killdeer running everywhere.
You too can have a garden. Start small. Maybe some herbs to add to dinner. Maybe a small salad table. Maybe just a tomato plant in a pot.
Nothing like fresh, home grown treats that you made yourself.
AnnieRie Unplugged 
At your community garden, what do people find is the average time they need to spend per week to get
*basic yield
*medium yield
*high yield?
I think these averages would help people starting off.
Sharon
I really don’t know how much time it takes to maximize yield. I know people who weeded like crazy last year, and they got less tomatoes. Last year, I used the method for rainy seasons. Don’t weed as much. The weeds competing with the tomatoes for water.
In a wet year, it helps your crops that would get moldy otherwise.
I spend at least three hours a week and get a high yield. That means three visits. Every other day.
For those that only come up on weekends, the weeds could be out of control and they spend more time fighting them.