COMMUNITY GARDENS Bob Neier Sedgwick County Extension Horticulture Agent K-State Research and Extension
Why have a Community Garden? What is a community garden? What is the purpose of a community garden? What does the term community garden mean to YOU?
History of Community Gardens in United States Social reformers of the 1890 s World War I supplement domestic food supply. Public school gardens = United States School Garden Army Great Depression 23 million households gardened in garden programs in 1934
History of Community Gardens Victory Gardens of World War II 1970s/80 s Rebirth of Community Gardens Lawrence, Manhattan, Hutchinson, Wichita, Salina Present Renewed interest in growing own food, community development, etc. in United States
BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY GARDENS Quality food Connection to the soil Friendships Community Learning from others
Community Brings people together diversity of income and cultures Learn from each other Gives a place to garden for those that don t have access Apartments or mobile homes Shaded yard Poor soil
Health Nutrition Access to fresh, healthy food Increase consumption of vegetables Stretch food dollars Physical Activity You can garden throughout your lifetime Mental Health Outdoor activity
Sense of Community Neighborhood Communication Utilize unused spaces Crime prevention Community beautification Property values Education Sharing tools
Impact of Community Gardens Economic Impact Well maintained garden: ½ lb. produce/sq. ft. area Approximate value of at least $2/lb. Average 600 sq. ft. garden=300 lb. produce 300 lb. X $2 = $600 produce $600 - $70 investment = $530 return 2009 National Gardening Association Survey for home gardeners numbers may vary for community garden where investment $ are lower
Garden Planning (Community) = (Gardening)
Planning Good planning is critical Many gardens have failed because of knee jerk reactions It s more than just tilling under some soil Need buy in of gardeners Grass roots effort Determine needs of community Not a one size fits all"
Brainstorming Session Is there a need for a garden? What is the purpose of the garden? What role will the garden play in the community? Who will utilize the garden? What type of garden will meet our needs? Who will support the garden?
Types of Community Gardens
Types of Gardens Neighborhood Community Garden Collective or Communal Garden School Garden
Neighborhood Community Garden
Neighborhood Community Garden
Characteristics of Neighborhood Community Garden Land is divided into plots for individual or family use. Land may be owned, rented or borrowed by the community garden. Gardens are usually organized and managed by the member gardeners.
Neighborhood Community Garden Allotment Garden Plots are rented to community members on an annual basis Most common type of garden
Collective or Communal Garden
Collective or Communal Garden Collective Garden Participants work in garden for a common goal (ex. Food pantry garden, grow produce to donate to low income families, gardeners share with each other, etc.) All for one and one for all
School Gardens
School Gardens Outdoor Classroom Science, math, language arts, nutrition, social science, etc., Outdoor gathering space to enjoy nature and relax Goals Help meet specific educational goals (state education standards) School beautification
Organization and Governance How will be organized? Who will call the shots? Who will garden?
Who will use the garden?
Who will use the garden? Any qualifications to have a garden plot? Membership in the group (ex. Church congregation, neighborhood assn.) Income level Age (only adults, only youth) Must participate in the gardens activities, such as work days, meetings, social events
Governance
Garden Governance Garden rules, By-Laws Developed by the garden group Specific to your situation Provides for smooth operation of garden Helps establish expectations of gardeners Provides for appeal processes Reviewed by Legal Counsel
Who will run the garden? Site Council of Gardeners Garden Manager Hosting Organization
(Community) = (Garden) You are not a COMMUNITY GARDEN without both COMMUNITY and GARDEN
Building the Team Team Involvement and Camaraderie Dedicated, motivated members Diversity of ages, backgrounds, skills Share the work load and responsibilities Democratic process Good communication
What are the key roles? Leader Communicator/Publicity Person Money person treasurer Recorder secretary Dedicated Board Members Garden mentors Coordinator or Garden Manager??
Choosing a Site One of the most important decisions you will make!
Site Selection Location, Location, Location Factors to Consider Long term availability Full sun, available water Appropriate size Previous Use Physical Characteristics Can you gain access to work soil with equipment?
Who owns the property? Public? Private? Prior use Industrial Residue Toxicity Compaction Can you be guaranteed use for at least 4-5 years?
Physical Characteristics Light At LEAST 6-8 hours of direct sunlight Water Must have access to water Water quality check for salts Soil Type Need to do a soil test
Physical Characteristics Drainage Is the area fairly level? Will areas be underwater after heavy rains? Dig hole 2 feet deep, fill with water, see how long it takes to drain Existing Vegetation Windbreak is helpful Avoid area with a lot of trees in the main garden area
Preparing the Site Good site preparation is critical to success of a new garden
Preparing the Site Soil Nutrient Test Eradicate Bermudagrass!! Eliminate existing vegetation the summer PRIOR to planting in spring. MORE NEW GARDENS FAIL BECAUSE THEY WERE PLANTED IN RECENTLY WORKED GROUND.
Planning the Plots Design Size Annual or permanent plots
Garden Layout and Design Use as few aisles as possible Avoid a lot of hardscape, trees, perennial plantings that limit ease of tillage. Most gardens offer at least two plot size options. Paths need to be wide enough for mowers, tillers, wheelbarrows, etc. Plan for water lines, hoses, etc.
Elements to Include Garden Boundaries Location and size of plots Driveways Pathways Water Sources Garden Shed? Compost Area? Benches? Restroom facilities? Signage Fencing/Security Plan
Open Layout
Aisles for equipment and hose lines
Signage
Composting Area
Restrooms
Funding What will it cost to operate? How will we fund the garden? Who will fund the garden?
What will it cost?? Need to cover expenses of garden Establish a budget Typical Expenses Water Bill Insurance Tilling/Equipment Rental/Maintenance of paths, etc. Infrastructure (shed, water lines, fences, amenities) Meeting Expenses Loaner Equipment (tools, water hoses, etc.)
How will we fund the garden? Garden plot rental fees Hosting organization support Local government support Grants Gifts of $ or in kind Fundraising events
Who will fund the garden? Gardeners that have made some type of monetary commitment More likely to buy-in More likely to follow through for the garden season Feel ownership Take pride in their garden
Kansas Community Garden Grants Joint project of K-State Research & Extension and the Kansas Health Foundation Provide seed money for new gardens. Up to $5,000 per garden 3 year project. 2012, 2013 and 2014 Approximately $500,000 will be distributed over the three year project
www.kansascommunitygardens.org
Kansas Community Garden Grants Visit www.kansascommunitygardens.org Information on how to apply for grant Information on recipient gardens Resources *Print resources *Videos *Links to other sites *Other grant opportunities * Sample garden documents (by-laws, rules, rental agreements, etc.)
Kansas Community Garden Grants Application deadline January 15, 2014 $150,000 will be awarded in 2014 2014 is final year of funding Questions: Check website or Evelyn Neier, eneier@ksu.edu or 785-410-3760 for questions
Starting a Community Garden Remember the importance of good planning Include the gardeners in the planning process Keep in mind that a community garden is a community within a community
Evelyn Neier Kansas State Research & Extension eneier@ksu.edu 785-410-3760 www.kansascommunitygardens.org