By Jason C. Mattox

More than 30 Panola Countians are expected to dig their hands in the dirt to start a community garden in Batesville.

The group plans to meet at noon Saturday at Tractor Supply, located  at Highway 6 East in Batesville.

The idea of a community garden began with Tractor Supply manager A.R. Robinson

The garden plots will be divided into two parcels on the store property.

“We will walk the people through the plots so people can see what we are going to be working with,” Robinson said. “We want to be able to teach people the skills so they can raise their own gardens.”

Robnson said vegetables grown in the community garden will be harvested and donated to the Panola County Food Pantry.

“We want the produce that is grown to be put to a good use,” he said. “It will be donated so the people who need the vegetables will have access to them.”

In addition to those who have signed up to work on the community garden, Robinson said he has received commitments from South Panola FFA and local Boy Scout troops.

Robinson added that a Tractor Supply customer has already donated his time and equipment to till up the plots for the garden.

“We have had a good response, and hope this will be a learning experience for everyone involved,” Roberts said.

Assisting Robinson with the project will be Judd Gentry of the Panola County Extension Service.

“A.R. called me and told me about the idea,” Gentry said. “He asked me if I would offer some classes or seminars to the people who have signed up.”

Gentry said he will offer classes and seminars that will give attendees knowledge on proper gardening techniques including soil preparation and weed eradication.

“I think this is a very good project, because it really is something to get the community involved with,” he said. “Really, we just want the people who participate to gain the knowledge that will allow them to go home and have their own garden in the future.”