As the community has emerged from a spring spent indoors in quarantine, gardening has grown into a productive pastime. First, of course, it provides food, as well as the opportunity to learn the art of cultivating food, which has become a commodity during the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, it gives people a reason to get outside, breathe fresh air and socialize from a safe distance.

Fortunately, Southern Ocean County abounds with budding community gardens, the majority of which pride themselves on…