Youth garden allows children to sow seeds and build character

PHOENIX - Sowing seeds and building character -- those are the goals of a community youth garden in south Phoenix.

The project is a collective partnership between the KEYS Community Center and Valley Presbyterian Church .

Raylee Houghs is one of about 40 children and teens who work on the garden, located on Broadway just east of 24th Street.

He says he was a trouble-maker -- until he discovered gardening.

"It's not like geeky or wimpy to have your own garden; to care for your own garden," said Houghs.

He said tending to his fruits and vegetables has taught him patience and discipline.

Sam Kelsall, a local attorney and church member, supervises the new gardeners -- teaching them about plants and the life-lessons that come along with caring for a garden.

"People are too far from the soil,” he said. “The closer you are to the soil, the more realistic your life and lifestyle are."

Kelsall said in the process of caring for the plants, the children learn responsibility, work ethic and patience.

"The real character trait it instills in them is perseverance,” he said. “Because, I think there is nothing worse for a kid then having to wait for a seed to come up."

Every Thursday, beginning at 5 p.m., the community garden is opened to the public.

The children get to sell their fruits and veggies and pocket 75% of the money earned.

The rest is used to pay the garden's water bill.