The 2025 Dodge County Jail garden was planted on June 5 with the help of several Dodge County Master Gardener volunteers. A wide variety of vegetables were planted, including peppers, beans, corn, cucumbers, cantaloupe, kohlrabi, beets, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, zucchini, radishes, carrots, potatoes, onions, winter squash, and cabbage.
Throughout the season, seven Huber inmates participated in the project, typically working in pairs each week. Their responsibilities included weeding, weighing harvested produce, and stocking the produce cart for residents.
The garden saw many successes along with a few challenges. Tomatoes ripened later than usual, and the potato crop did not develop this year. Despite these setbacks, the majority of the garden produced well.
The produce cart—introduced last year to offer free fresh vegetables to residents—continued to be a valuable addition. According to inmate feedback, very little produce went to waste in 2025.
A new initiative this year involved setting aside produce every Thursday for pickup by the county. This harvest was delivered to homes managed by Clearview, expanding the reach and impact of the garden’s production.
The garden produced 750 pounds of vegetables in 2025, all of which was donated for use within the facility or through community support programs.
The success of the jail garden is the result of consistent teamwork between Master Gardener volunteers, Huber inmates, and county staff. Their combined efforts helped provide fresh, healthy produce and meaningful hands‑on learning opportunities throughout the growing season.