Charleston vacant plots could bring $20,000 worth of produce to area communities

A recent article on gardening a 100 square foot bed, raising $700 worth of organic produce: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Square-Foot-Gardening-Food.aspx

A quick survey (January 2010) of the potential sites identified reveals the possibility of having over 5,000 square feet of raised beds in the upper reaches of the Charleston peninsula. Look at the map for a better idea of the scale.

Currently, if the 12 vacant lots on the map were to be gardened in raised beds, together they could produce this amount of food for the needy (in just one season!):
Tomatoes 4,000 lbs
Peppers 800 lbs
Lettuce 750 lbs
Zuchini 6,400 lbs

The market value of this produce at conventional (non-organic) prices: $18,500, all-local resources