Introduction to Community Gardens
A community garden uses shared or individual plots to produce vegetables, fruits, or decorative plants. Groups maintain the gardens, not paid landscapers. You can start a community garden anywhere that more than one household contributes. Transform an abandoned lot or build raised beds behind a church or construct a backyard greenhouse for public access.
Garden Layout and Plot Sizes
In-ground community garden plots range from 10′ x 10′ to 20′ x 20′. Pathways of at least 3 to 4 feet wide allow wheelbarrow access. Add aged compost or manure to garden plot soil. This improves fertility and organic matter content.
Garden Management and Tips
Many community gardens donate part of their harvests. Other plots belong to families or individuals who take care of their own plots. Place fences, trellises, or walls on the north side of community garden plots to prevent taller plants from shading smaller ones. Community garden rules exist such as planting only what you can control, staying within plot boundaries, and keeping paths tidy.
Tips to help your community garden thrive:
- Amend soil with compost before planting.
- Study sunlight and shade patterns to arrange your plot.
- Choose low maintenance plants for planting.
- Water regularly, especially in summer.
- Fertilize every few weeks to bolster growth.
- Mulch to retain moisture and discourage weeds.