How to start a community garden

Community gardens have been popping up in rural areas. In some more populated areas or even in food deserts, community gardens have saved those who live in the community. They provide an opportunity for fresh and healthy food. Here is how you can set up one;

1. Gather others and form a committee

First, you’ll need to form a committee. Find local gardeners, your friends, neighbours, and family members and ask if they want to be part of the project. Make sure these are all people who have a similar mindset.

It would be great if you added people who had different skills when gardening. Is there someone who knows how to use power tools to build garden boxes? Does someone keep things well organised? Can you find someone who is a good public speaker?

Try to resemble your neighbourhood with the committee you form.

2. Establish where you’ll grow

Once you’ve gathered a solid committee, you’ll need to scout out a place to establish your community garden.

Here are some other things to consider for a site: ensure the land gets six full hours of sun each day if you’re planting vegetables; test the soil so you know it can support plants with proper nutrients and pH; and search for a nearby water source;

3. Get your supplies

Next, you can gather supplies. Gardens need more than just a rake and a watering can, especially if it’s large enough to support the community. It would be challenging to get them all by yourself, so you can raise funds for supplies or ask the community to donate used gardening tools.

In addition to your typical gardening tools, you should source a composting bin or have someone build one. That way, you can make your own compost, which aligns with the sustainability of a community garden. This is where you can gather seeds, as well.

4. Prep the land and plan a layout

The land you choose likely isn’t suitable for a garden, so this is where the hands-on work comes into play. You and others in the community will have to clear the site. Make sure you pick up all of the trash and get rid of any weeds or invasive plants. Plough the land and let gardeners work together to add fertilisers, compost, and mulch.

Once you clear the land, you can begin planning a layout for the garden. Decide with your committee on plot sizes, where the tool storage area will go, and where you’ll set up your compost bin. Ensure there are pathways to access plots and for casual strolling.

5. Begin planting and set a schedule

You can begin planting once your plots are ready! Decide whether you’re going to grow vegetables, fruits, flowers, or a combination. It should serve the community’s needs. Throughout the season, you’ll need to establish a schedule with volunteers from the community to maintain the garden. Anyone in the community can share in the community garden work. Source volunteers and teach them what they need to do, whether it’s watering the plants, adding compost, harvesting the crops, or pulling weeds. Rotate the schedule so all participants can get their hands involved.

6. Share your harvest with the community

Throughout the season, you can enjoy working in the garden with others in the community. This will strengthen bonds between neighbours and others that live in the region. Participate in regular community projects and outreach to teach others in the area about the community garden.

When harvest time comes, ensure that people who need fresh food come to the garden. You can share meals with others and celebrate all of the hard work everyone has put into making the garden a success!