Q. I have two questions. The first question is: Can people keep chickens here in Fort Wayne? I have heard various answers. The second question is: Our neighborhood does not allow us to grow vegetables in our backyards – or front yards for that matter. What can I do to grow vegetables for our family?

A. I did some checking of the official code of ordinances for the city of Fort Wayne found at www.amlegal.com/library/in/fortwayne.shtml. Basically no livestock is allowed in the city limits, unless a request for a limited impact operation is made though the board of zoning appeals. The request has to show a benefit for the public good, along with other bells and whistles. While raising your own chickens in the city may not be possible, there are a growing number of operations that offer free range organic chickens. Some CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) such as Pasture’s Delight in Decatur and the Hawkins Farm in North Manchester allow folks to buy a share in the farm or to purchase products directly. I am sure there are others, and new operations are beginning because of the demand.

I also did some research on your second issue and was saddened to learn that there are actually neighborhoods in Allen County that do not allow vegetable gardens.

There may be many reasons, but I would ask that these neighborhoods reconsider this rule. It is true that some folks are messy, and gardening can be a messy activity. But I would argue that life can be messy. A barbecue grill can be messy. Children’s toys in the backyard can be messy.

I would ask that these neighborhoods consider options for raised beds in a backyard that are attractive and not eyesores.

For instance, one can construct raised beds for vegetables out of paver blocks commonly used for retaining walls. These are attractive and easy to assemble and take down if people move, for instance. Neighborhoods can also specify the size and location of beds (in relation to the yard and people’s views). One can also specify what kind of compost structures can be used and ask they be properly maintained. In other words, neighborhoods can specify – like many do already – that the landscape be properly maintained, even with a vegetable garden. In today’s world, with the cost of fuel and food, we need to be a bit more tolerant so folks can grow local healthy vegetables.

For now, try to take advantage of the many community gardens being developed in the area. Nick Arnett with the Downtown Improvement District is developing several community gardens. Master gardener Juanita LaHurreau coordinates a group of several master gardeners assisting several community gardening efforts. Advanced master gardener Jane Ford leads the Unity Gardens in the South Wayne neighborhood. Many churches are installing community gardens at their locations. Usually there is only a small fee for renting a garden spot. Call the extension office at 481-6826 for more information and/or contacts about community gardens.