1. Organize a Meeting Of Interested People
Determine whether a garden is really needed and
wanted, what kind it should be (vegetable, flower, both, organic?), whom it
will involve and who benefits. Invite neighbors, tenants, community
organizations, gardening and horticultural societies, building superintendents
(if it is at an apartment building)—in other words, anyone who is likely to be
interested.
2. Form a Planning Committee
This group can be comprised of people who feel
committed to the creation of the garden and have the time to devote to it, at
least at this initial stage. Choose well-organized persons as garden
coordinators Form committees to tackle specific tasks: funding and
partnerships, youth activities, construction and communication.
3. Identify All Your Resources
Do a community asset assessment. What skills and
resources already exist in the community that can aid in the garden’s creation?
Contact local municipal planners about possible sites, as well as horticultural
societies and other local sources of information and assistance. Look within
your community for people with experience in landscaping and gardening. In
Toronto contact the Toronto Community Garden Network.
4. Approach A Sponsor The following steps
are adapted from the American Community Garden Association’s guidelines for
starting a successful community garden in your neighborhood. Some gardens
“self-support” through membership dues, but for many, a sponsor is essential
for donations of tools, seeds or money. Churches, schools, private businesses
or parks and recreation departments are all possible supporters. One garden
raised money by selling “square inches” at $5 each to hundreds of sponsors.
5. Choose A Site
Consider the amount of daily sunshine (vegetables
need at least six hours a day), availability of water, and soil testing for
possible pollutants. Find out who owns the land. Can the gardeners get a lease
agreement for at least three years? Will public liability insurance be
necessary?
6. Prepare And Develop The Site
In most cases, the land will need considerable
preparation for planting. Organize volunteer work crews to clean it, gather
materials and decide on the design and plot arrangement.
7. Organize the Garden
Members must decide how many plots are available
and how they will be assigned. Allow space for storing tools, making compost
and don’t forget the pathways between plots! Plant flowers or shrubs around the
garden’s edges to promote good will with non-gardening neighbors, passersby and
municipal authorities.
8. Plan for Children
Consider starting a special garden just for
kids–including them is essential. Children are not as interested in the size of
the harvest but rather in the process of gardening. A separate area set aside
for them allows them to explore the garden at their own speed.
9. Determine Rules and Put Them In Writing
The gardeners themselves devise the best ground
rules. We are more willing to comply with rules that we have had a hand in
creating. Ground rules help gardeners to know what is expected of them. Think
of it as a code of behavior. Some examples of issues that are best dealt with
by agreed upon rules are: dues, how will the money be used? . How are plots
assigned? Will gardeners share tools, meet regularly, handle basic maintenance?
10. Help Members Keep In Touch with Each Other
Good communication ensures a strong community
garden with active participation by all. Some ways to do this are: starting a
telephone tree, creating an email list; installing a rainproof bulletin board
in the garden; having regular celebrations. Community gardens are all about
creating and strengthening communities.
American Community
Gardening Association
3271 Main Street
College Park, GA 30337 USA
