CAMDEN and ROCKPORT — Warming soil is beckoning. Carrots, squash, lettuce, what’s your wish? According to a news release, Penobscot Bay Community Gardens offers eager gardeners plots at two sites:
 
63 Washington Street, in Camden; and Erickson Fields, a preserve of Maine Coast Heritage Trust located at 164 West Street, in Rockport.
 
If your vision includes a garden bed in a charming village where you can walk or bike, then 63 Washington Street in Camden might be your answer, according to PBCG. Ample sun shines in the backyard. Sixteen-square-foot rows are available for $20 each. Raising your flowers and vegetables here will reinforce a feeling of community and connectedness.
 
63 Washington, which had operated as a home for the elderly now houses women in recovery. Gardeners share their organic produce with residents once harvest time comes around. Additionally, the gardeners will be concentrating on planting heritage and pollinators flowers. Theresa Mastricolo is the house manager who will be gardening with the growers.
 
“We expect to work with Board members to plant hedges and shrubs to the advantage of insects and birds,” said PBCG. “Join us with your knowledge of all things heritage and organic! It’s March and we have three rows available, with sweat energy we should create three more later on!”
 
Alternately, Erickson Fields Preserve offers a more traditional farming experience. A dairy farm for generations, Erickson Fields has 120-square-foot plots available for $60 each. Financial assistance is available on a sliding scale. Nearby, a spirited Teen Ag Crew tends their impressive gardens. Erickson Fields, which sits on an idyllic breezy knoll, is close to the intersection of US 1 and Rt. 90. The gardens are surrounded by a deer fence and offer water, manure, a shed for tools and guidance.
 
Join others with dirty fingernails and turn gardening dreams into a delicious reality.
 
Applicants for 63 Washington Street may contact coordinator, Nancy Lloyd 603 933 2895 or email nanshalan2@gmail.com.
 
There is currently a wait list to join the Community Garden at Erickson Fields Preserve.

Interested gardeners may contact Joelle Albury at aldermere@mcht.org.

Both gardens can be found on Facebook at Penobscot Bay Community Gardens.