Starting/Maintaining a Community Garden
The American Community Gardening Association describes a community garden as:
Any piece of land gardened by a group of people....it can be urban, suburban, or rural. It can grow flowers, vegetables or community. It can be one community plot, or many individual plots. It can be at a school, hospital, or in a neighborhood. It can also be a series of plots dedicated to 'urban agriculture' where the produce is grown for a market.
We've seen a marked increase of interest in community gardening in New Hampshire. Some folks want to connect with friends and neighbors, while others don't have access to land on which to garden. And, with economic hard times, more and more people are looking to reduce their grocery bills by growing food.
Visit the Food Growing Basics sections of this site for information about seeds, soil, planting, garden care, pest management, harvesting, food preservation, and food safety. Take advantage of UNH Cooperative Extension's toll free Info Line and our diagnostic services when you need help with horticultural problems.
|
|
Information for community garden organizers
In the following list of resources for people managing, or thinking about organizing, a community garden, we've relied heavily (and with gratitude) on the comprehensive Community Gardening Toolkit developed by the University of Missouri Cooperative Extension.
What is a community garden? General overview, types and characteristics of community gardens, common challenges.
Forming a Planning Committee You'll need one!
Starting a community garden Laying the foundation.
10 Steps to success with a community garden Moving forward from idea to action.
The benefits of community gardening The list may surprise you!
Questions your group should ask The answers will help you develop a practical plan.
Dig Safe State laws require anyone who digs to notify utility companies before starting. Digging can be dangerous and costly without knowing the locations of underground facilities.
Vandalism and other problems Workable solutions for problems that may arise.
Online resources and sample forms for garden organizers Expand your information base. Downloadable forms: budget, gardener application, gardener guidelines, land-use permission.
Starting a non-profit organization General information on starting a nonprofit to oversee your community gardening project.
What is liability insurance? General information on why you need it and how to get it.
Publications/Handbooks
From Neglected Parcels to Community Gardens
Community Garden Organizer's Handbook
Building Community Gardens in Montana
Grants/Resources
New England Grassroots Environment Fund
Project Orange Thumb Community Garden Grants Program
Gardenburger™ Community Garden Grants for 501(c)(3) non profits
Free seeds
America the Beautiful Fund
725 15th St. NW, Suite 605,Dept. AG
Washington D.C. 20005
202-638-1649
Photo credits: Top, Janice Stillman. Used with permission. Bottom, Kathy Martin, Skippy's Vegetable Garden, Used with permission.
