How to Start a Community
Garden
Janet B. Carson
Extension Horticulture Specialist
Organize a meeting of interested
people
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Identify possible sites
Funding sources
Water availability
Partnerships
What type of gardens
– Raised beds,
– Seasonal or year-round
Who will be involved?
• Anyone in the
community who wants
to garden?
• Neighborhood based
• Senior Citizen Center
• School
Gibbs/
Dunbar
School
Garden
Determine budgets
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Who pays for water?
Plot rental?
Security
Seeds, plants, fertilizer
Contracts?
• Put in writing what is
expected.
• Who will maintain if
they don’t?
• Individual or group
plots?
One person cannot do it alone
• Create networks of
support.
• Build coalitions.
• Work with local food
banks.
Advertise
• Get the word out.
• Hold open houses
• Invite the press.
Start small, and build on success