How to Start a Community Garden

Janet B. CarsonExtension Horticulture Specialist

Organize a meeting of interested people

• 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

• 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