Illinois state fairgrounds community garden to open in March

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The state of Illinois is looking for gardeners interested in planting at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand race track's community garden this season.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture says there are 200 garden plots available at the Springfield site, including 100 for organic gardening and 100 for non-organic gardening. Plots cost $20.

The Agriculture department will supply water, tools and compost for free. Mentoring also is available from University of Illinois Extension master gardeners.

Agriculture Director Raymond Poe says the community format is ideal for those who don't have space at home to garden but still want to grow vegetables, flowers and herbs.

Garden applications are available online . The community garden is located in the race track's infield. Weather permitting it's scheduled to open March 30.