It's agricultural. It's recreational. It's ecologically sound. It's economically efficient. It may even be therapeutic.

But even deeper than that there's something fulfilling and pure and wholesome about getting your hands dirty and living off the land.

Of all the amenities and services offered by the Manheim Township Recreation and Park Planning Department (MTRPPD), the garden plot program may be one of its most beneficial.

"With the way the world is today, this is something that doesn't need technology," said Matt Stopa, Manheim Township's recreation director. "It goes back to our roots. Some of it is the way life used to be. All you need is seeds, water, earth and patience."

And maybe a little old-fashioned sweat and fortitude.

MTRPPD's garden plot program offers an opportunity to grow and have access to a garden for local residents who might not normally have one. For a nominal fee, the program provides individuals 20-by-40-foot plots of land within the confines of the township's compost park at 2775 Oregon Pike, Lititz.

There are 63 garden plots there and they're all usually reserved by the end of the winter months.

"People grow all sorts of things," said Stopa. "Mainly it's vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers and beans. Most people are planting something they can consume. There aren't too many people planting wildflowers."

"It's Lancaster County, PA, so the ground is going to be good," he added. "We put down fresh soil for everyone. We've never had a problem with a lack of growth."

In cooperation with Manheim Township's public works department and local fire companies, the garden plots are tilled in the spring, and compost, mulch and water are made available for the green-thumbed residents. MTRPPD also goes as far as filling some basic seed needs.

"It's not very hands-on for us," said Stopa. "We don't need employees. It's up to the people to grow whatever they want. It's essentially a blank canvas to grow what they want."

"It's all locally grown stuff," Stopa continued. "It's healthy stuff. It's a really cool concept. There isn't much effort on our end. Once we sell the plots, it's your effort. People use them and enjoy them."

MTRPPD's garden plot program coincides with the growing season and runs from April 1 to Nov. 1. Some plots are reserved by the same residents year after year.

"The purpose is to provide an opportunity for residents who may not have the ability to plant a garden at their houses," said Stopa. "Some people use it as recreation. Some people just like to garden. It's a lot of senior citizens. It's a lot of residents who live in apartments and who don't have the land to do this."

"If there's availability, it's a good way to disconnect from the world we live in," continued Stopa. "You become one with your garden. It's a different way of recreating."

For as innovative a concept as MTRPPD's garden plot program is, no one is taking credit for the original idea.

"I don't know who should get the credit," said Stopa. "We're always trying to provide affordable services for Manheim Township residents. But I'm not sure of the origin. My only regret is that it isn't bigger. There clearly is a demand. People are put on a waiting list. We could sell more if there were more plots."

For additional information about the Manheim Township Recreation and Park Planning Department, go to http://www.manheimtownship.org/1617/Recreation-Park-Planning.