That’s exactly why starting a community garden is such a fun and exciting idea.
While it’s a lovely idea and concept, setting up a community garden can be challenging.
Meet the Expert
What Is a Community Garden?
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“There are many benefits to having a community garden,” says farming expert Malcolm Evans.
There are different types of community gardens.
Another popular format is an allotment-style garden.
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The community can then help out in shared spaces and pitch in to keeping the space clean and healthy.
Want more gardening tips?
The more hands, the lighter the work."
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This will make it easier to create and maintain a thriving garden when you know the folks around you.
Resources are also important to consider.
Barra says the area will need access to water and ample sunlight.
Tool storage and spots forcompostingare also important.
Who will maintain common areas, and how will conflicts be handled?
“Most importantly, do not go it alonedont lose the ‘community’ in community gardening!”
Malcolm Evans, director of farming at Urban Growers Collective.
“Liability insurance is also worth considering to protect against any unexpected accidents.”
Don’t forget the money aspect either.
“Hosting a plant sale or a garden-themed event can bring in extra money while also building excitement.”
Think about where you’ll get your tools and supplies.
Planning will help keep everything organized and make the execution of your plans easier.
Then you’ve got the option to move onto the gardening areas.
“Start by figuring out where the sunniest spots are and place the mostsun-loving plantsthere.
Arrange pathways to allow easy access to every bed without trampling the soil.
When choosing plants, think about what grows well in your climate and soil jot down.”
Next, they both recommend creating crop and management plans.
This will help you maintain the flow of things as you go along.
“The better your plan, the more sustainable your garden will be.”
Manny Barra, community garden coordinator for the City of Oakland.
Start Planting
Congratulations on starting your community garden!
Now the fun really begins.
Here are some tips for doing exactly that:
