Peppers, watermelons, cantaloupes and squash dot the landscape. An acre of land has been tended and plowed, watered, and sowed until bright green leaves and colorful fruit bloom to create a lush garden.



This is the type of project that Iowa inmates, with the help of corrections officials, are getting their hands dirty for in a Scott County Sheriff's Jail  program that benefits officials and the community.  Increased inmate productivity keeps officials happy, as the community benefits from the produce that is donated to the United Way and local charities.

“The inmates really love the program,” says Scott County Sergeant William Boyd. “They are working really hard on this garden and we're getting great feedback from them.”

This is another smash-hit program geared towards giving back to the community. Scott County inmates also refurbish bikes, which are donated to needy children.

Eighteen inmates are chosen for their good behavior to work on the garden. Typically, they work two to three-hour shifts on the plot, sometimes longer if the garden needs extra attention.

“This gives our offenders something meaningful to do,” explains Scott County Sheriff Dennis Conard. “They are really happy to work outside and they are thrilled to find something useful to do. For us, it's a great program because the costs are miniscule. When you consider what our expenses are in housing people on a daily basis, we're spending very little extra for this garden.”

Plans for the garden started when officials realized they an acre and a half of land behind the jail. One employee had a John Deere tractor and offered to plow the plot at no cost to the facility. Once the ground was broken, corrections turned to the community for more help.

Garden Growers, a local non-profit dedicated to developing and supporting community garden programs for low resource neighborhoods, answered Scott County's call. Garden Growers also support the education and social interaction that comes along with gardening.

Executive Director Julia Blazevic says the jail's garden teaches inmates more than just how to use their green thumbs.

“It fits very well into our mission to help inmates garden,” Blazevic explains. “The idea is to teach them certain gardening skills. They learn patience as they wait for the food to grow. They learn to work together to get the job done. They learn how to set goals and follow instructions, all to grow a better garden.”

GG offered to help with a class called, Veggie 101. Two COs attended to learn what happens underground as gardens begin to grow. A GG master gardener recommended the right plants, tools, seeds and care to properly grow a garden in Iowa.

“We evaluated the plot of land at Scott County and helped them decide the best size for the garden and the best things to plant. But from that moment on, the inmates have been pretty self-sufficient. They want to see this garden succeed. We also have a master gardener who is a consultant for the jail, but they have been doing a terrific job so far on their own,” says Blazevic.

Tending soil and plucking fresh produce are certainly therapeutic activities for anyone, especially the inmates. From a corrections standpoint, the program is something the community can benefit from many ways.

“Our community appreciates the uniqueness of this program,” says Sheriff Conard. “They are surprised that we would try something like this, but we want to show them how dedicated we are to giving back to the community.”

For other corrections agencies interested in planting seeds to sow next summer, Scott County officials recommend the program, but with one warning.

“You really need to make sure you are adequately staffed for a program like this. Our staffing needs were met after we established an advisory committee for inmate programs. Other than that, it's a very successful program. The inmates are very happy to be outside and they are thrilled to find something useful to do. In corrections, it's always much better to do something like this than just sit around," says Conard.