The city of Sharon wanted neighbors to adapt properties to take care of vacant lots so they wouldn't become the typical vacant lot.

The United Methodist Churches in Sharon decided to step in and take over a few vacant lots and put a free community vegetable garden on Oakland Avenue and Meek Street. 

The volunteer crew cleaned the lots, built slats, filled them with dirt and planted vegetables for the community to freely use when ready to harvest.

"This year was our first year of the project, and we planted four 20-foot raised garden beds," Reverend Doug Dyson said.

The garden's cost was more than $1,000 due to the price of lumber, but they received a grant to help fund the gardens this year.

"Being able to provide fresh produce for the community is an amazing feeling," Dyson said. 

United Methodist Churches have one simple rule: To do your part of taking care of the gardens by mowing the grass or pulling weeds.

The church plans to add more gardens in the future to continue giving back to the community.