HOOKSETT — A new community garden is under way at Donati Park, courtesy of the Department of Public Works.

The garden features 18 plots and is aimed at allowing Hooksett residents who may not have property on which to garden a chance to try their hand at growing flowers and vegetables.

The garden, in its first year, is free to residents on a first-come, first-served basis. Phil Arnone, parks and recreation foreman, said he is excited about the garden because it will give residents who may not have an opportunity to garden, the ability to plant just about anything.

“Some people may not have property where they can garden,” Arnone said. “This way they can enjoy a piece of earth to grow something on.”

Arnone said Leo Lessard, public works director, came up with the idea for the garden. Lessard and public works administrative assistant Jodi Pinard have overseen the project.

“Leo brought this forth, and it is a great idea,” Arnone said. “We, as a DPW team, carried it forward.”

Arnone said the department, including parks and recreation, has been responsible for preparing the plots, tilling the ground and providing the proper fertilizer for the area.

Not only will the gardens provide residents a chance to garden, Arnone said it will be beneficial for kids as well. He said with the town's Fun in the Sun program is held nearby, and kids will get a chance to learn about the gardens and observe the process.

Arnone said if the garden is a success in its first year, it's a possibility another community garden could be established at Frasier Park in the southern part of town.

With 14 plots still available, anyone interesting in obtaining one should contact public works to have a garden assigned. That 10 foot-by-8 foot plot is then theirs for the summer. The final day of gardening is Sept. 30.

To reserve a spot, call the DPW at 668-8019, or download an application and guidelines at www.hooksett.org/Pages/HooksettNH_ParkRec/Community_Gardens_Guidelines_2012.pdf