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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

5 Ways to Create a Great Community Garden


Tracey D. Shiflett, AICP

Community Gardens are great for those in urban areas where there is limited access to land and equipment to get involved in growing food.  The American Community Garden Association has  14 Good Reasons for Community Gardens.

The following five strategies are the same ones used by many farmers. Using these same strategies will go a long way in ensuring a successful community garden.


1.  Develop a Business Plan

One of the most important steps that you must take before setting up a community garden is to decide on what it is you want to accomplish with the garden.  The purpose of the garden will drive most of the decisions that will have to be made in order for it to be run successfully. The purpose statement is essentially a business plan, it needs to spell out exactly what you want to do and how you want it done. 


The Transition Staunton-Augusta Community Garden

When developing the business plan there are many policy issues that must be addressed.  Community gardens are individuals (or families) working a micro farm in close proximity to others doing the same thing.  Therefore, developing these policies up front will let gardeners know what is expected so they can plan accordingly and will avoid unnecessary conflict.

Read More> Round Hill VA Community Garden Rules


2.  Have a Garden Manager

Someone has to be in charge of the operation.  The garden manager's job is not to do everyone's gardening for them.   The manager's job is to assign plots, maintain the non-garden areas, have plots tilled and soil amended, resolve conflicts and ensure rules are followed.


3.  Select an Appropriate Location

Gardens need more than just space.  In order to thrive, they will need abundant sunlight, which can be hard to find in very urban areas.  They also need a good water supply.  The site should have good soil or soil that can be amended.  Also, the site must be accessible to gardeners and equipment.  Having a garden on a roof may seem like a great location, until you find out have to haul a few thousand pounds of soil up a flight of stairs.

Read More> Colorado State University Garden Notes: Amending Soil


4.  Education

There is a lot more to growing a garden than just planting seeds. Educated gardeners are much more likely to successfully grow their plants.  Providing or having access to trainers is very important.  Topics should include plant selection, planting seasons, fertilization, pest control and crop rotation.  

There are many educations resources available such as local Master Gardeners,  extension offices, local colleges and non-profit organizations.

Read More> Pennsylvania Horticultural Society


5.  Controlling Pests and Disease

There are few things more disappointing to a gardener than to watch their flourishing garden fail due to pests or disease.  Because there are many different people working in community gardens, there is a greater chance of the spread of disease and pests.
Part of the education process should be focused on selecting healthy plants.   Gardeners should plant disease and insect resistant varieties.  Additionally, plants should be rotated each year in order to eliminated soil borne diseases.  Also, gardeners should be trained to identify harmful insects.  Removal of bugs before they can lay eggs or spread is imperative.

Deer Fencing

It should be the job of the Garden Manager to control animal pests.  Once animals learn that there is an abundant food supply they will keep returning to feast on free food.  These critter can be controlled by installing barriers such as a fence.  This is an affective technique for keeping deer at bay.  Repellents can also be used to prevent entry into the garden.  If animals do manage to get in, then trapping and relocating will have to be done.  


What's Next?

Regulating Urban Farming






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