ROYAL CITY - The community is invited to the Royal City Community Garden kickoff this Saturday, May 3.

The kickoff is being coordinated with the FFA plant sale at Royal High School, according to organizer Tiffany Workinger.

"We will have people available to help answer all your gardening questions," she said.

The community garden, which is near the schools, is available to all citizens. Anyone can work a 12?12 plot to raise vegetables for their own family or to donate to the food bank.

Gardening is a snap at the community garden.

The plots have an automatic drip system that waters everyone's plants twice a day.

"With the help of local businesses, the community garden has seen improvements each year," Workinger said. "Our hope for this year is that the community will play a larger role by utilizing this great facility. We are always in need of sponsors for plots used to grow food for the local food bank, classroom projects, and watering costs."

There has been some discussion of creating a memorial plot for recently deceased Kathy Schutz, a longtime volunteer at the garden who was also a 33-year teacher at the high school.

"Even if you donate to that cause, plan on growing a garden for your own use," Workinger said.

Workinger is asking for volunteers. There are several ways you can help.

Call 760-2060 to volunteer.