Breaking Ground on Community Gardens

> STEP 1 > STEP 4

Form a Planning Committee
Organize a meeting of all interested people and discuss the
steps needed to start the garden project. Choose a well-
organized leadership team to oversee the project. It may also
The that
be helpful to form sub-committees downareand dirty on how
responsible for to build, means you will have to ensure that there will be members to
various tasks, such as Funding,maintain and sustain
Youth Activities, a community garden
Construction,
Communication, etc. Choose a name for the garden.
> STEP 2
Define A Purpose, Objectives & Values
Determine who the garden will serve and if it is meant to
benefit a particular group or neighborhood. It is essential that
members of those populations are involved in all phases of the
garden project. Determine your short and long-term objectives.
Be sure to identify your needs before beginning the garden
project to guide your planning and implementation.
> STEP 3
Organize The Garden & Activities
Determine how plots will be assigned and how they will
be maintained. Discuss if certain things will be done
cooperatively, such as turning the soil in the spring,
composting, etc. Decide if gardeners will share tools and other
equipment and if there will be a set of rules which gardeners
are expected to follow. The more organized and detailed you
are in planning your garden before beginning, the less likely
you will face conflicts and other problems once the project
begins.
Create A Year-Round Plan
Remember that a garden is a year-round experience. Plan
gardens for various seasons, and create a timeline for planting
and harvesting. However, having a year-round garden also
take care of the garden at all times.
> STEP 5
Choose & Prepare A Site
The garden site should be in an area that receives 6-8 hours
of full sunlight, has good drainage, and is in close proximity to
water. The site should be easily accessible by all members.
Consider past uses of the land, and perform a soil test in the fall
for nutrients and heavy metals. Be sure there is enough room
to include a storage area for tools and other equipment.
> STEP 6
Stick To The Plan
Continue to raise awareness of the garden throughout the
community by inviting various groups or organizations to
volunteer work days. Develop creative ways to keep members
motivated to maintain a successful garden.
CONTINUED

BROUGHT TO YOU BY ADVOCATES FOR HEALTH IN ACTION

Advocates for Health in Action is a group of diverse organizations and community members who are shaping the
environment throughout Wake County so healthful eating and physical activity are the way of life.
>REFERENCES
Advocates for Health in Action
A group of diverse organizations and community members
who are shaping the environment throughout Wake County so
healthful eating and physical activity are the way of life. www.
advocatesforhealthinaction.org
American Community
Garden Association
www.communitygarden.org/learn/starting-a-community-
garden.php
National Garden Association
www.nationalgardenmonth.org/index.php?
page=storyline-school
>POTENTIAL CHALLENGES TO CONSIDER
Membership
Decide the conditions you will set for membership. You may
decide to develop written bylaws to ensure how the garden will
operate and what to do if problems should arise. Other issues
to consider are membership dues, eligibility requirements,
meetings, etc.
Liability
Consider if you need to develop ways to prevent vandalism.
You may also consider purchasing insurance for your garden.
Unfortunately, many insurance carriers are reluctant to cover
community gardens. If you decide you need insurance, consider
working with a firm that represents many various carriers.
Also, be sure to get several quotes, including those from major
insurance carriers.
Support
It may be useful to identify community members who support
gardening as part of their profession (e.g. local extension).
Also, consider finding organizations that may help sponsor
a community garden, such as churches, hospitals, parks
and recreation, private businesses, etc. Be sure to track
key information about donors and sponsors in order to build
effective relationships.
>RESOURCES
NC Cooperative Extension
Gives NC residents easy access to resources and expertise
of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through
educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative
Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based
information.
www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/garden/CommunityGarden
America the Beautiful Fund
A non-profit group which receives large seed donations from
major seed companies and distributes them to community and
school gardens Nationwide.
www.america-the-beautiful.org/free_seeds/index.php
Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education
A grant for child-centered projects. The fund gives small
monetary grants to schools, nature centers, or other educational
organizations for the purchase of native plants and seeds.
www.for-wild.org/seedmony
National Tree Trust
Provides grants of one-year-old, regionally appropriate tree
seedlings for planting on public lands (including community
gardens).
www.nationaltreetrust.org
Seeds of Change
Donates organic seeds to non-profit groups. Each box contains
80 percent vegetable and 20 percent flower and herb seeds.
www.seedsofchange.com