SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A local community celebrated the hard work they put in last year cleaning empty lots with a community garden ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Schenectady Inner City Ministry spent the better part of last summer clearing trash and debris and preparing the ground for planting that was done this spring.

Community members now have a space to grow their own fruits and vegetables.

Eighteen people have signed up for plots at a cost of $5. They started working on their plot in April.

Some things growing in the community garden include zucchini, onions, tomatoes, and herbs.