Partnering with Community CROPS to have a community garden
Community CROPS is always looking for new garden locations that can be developed in partnership with the community. We also need committed volunteers to manage the garden locations. Together we can create bountiful plots of land that feed families and connect people.
Please contact us at crops@communitycrops.org or 474-9802 to talk about partnerships.
What makes for a good garden site?
- A large, sunny spot
The easiest and cheapest is to get water from an existing source. Is
there a nearby building? How about a house? At some sites we use the
water from a private home and pay their water bill during the summer
(about $400/season). If there is no convenient water source, installing a
frost-proof hydrant can cost thousands of dollars. Rain barrels can
supplement, but it is hard to store enough water for hot summer days.
One person, or a small group, needs to be dedicated to the
project to see it through. This person or group will be the main point of contact for the gardeners,
and will need to spend time at the garden
every week to be sure things are going OK. They may also have other
responsibilities such as tending flower beds, mowing grass around the garden,
working with CROPS to set up seating areas or fences, or organizing social
activities in the garden. Gardening experience is helpful but not essential; what's more important is enthusiasm to work and to learn. During the spring, it may take 5-8 hours per
week to get the garden going. Throughout the summer, expect to spend 2-3
hours a week at the garden.
CROPS can help find occasional volunteers to help with bigger tasks in spring or fall.
Try to get at least a three year commitment to use the land for a garden,
even if it is just a verbal agreement. Three years make the investment of
effort into the garden worthwhile.
The best gardens are the ones that are easiest to get to, surrounded by
homes or apartments. (Be sure to talk to the immediate neighbors about
your plan for a garden to get their input; their involvement will help the garden be a success.)
The best time to start a community garden is in the fall. Till
the area and cover it with lawn clippings and leaves for the winter. Or
just cover it with cardboard and then mulch. Your soil will be ready for
planting in the spring with a lot less work.
Start small. You don't have to till the entire garden area the
first year, you can always add garden plots in later years. Seating
areas, fences, compost bins and other amenities can also be added later.
What Community CROPS can provide
CROPS can be a central clearinghouse for materials and garden plot registration.
We can help you get the basics--hoes, rakes, shovels, hoses and small hand tools.
We can provide a lot of the seeds and plants you will need.
We can also help you access things like mulch or manure as needed.
CROPS can add your garden to the list of locations and coordinate signing
up for plots. We'll keep all the contact information for gardeners and
help with interpretation for non-English speakers.
Over the past 6 years, CROPS has helped start many community gardens. We can work with you on choosing a good location, assessing the soil, and working with volunteers. We can also help you learn about organic gardening principles.
CROPS has an ever-expanding list of volunteers that we can contact to help you with projects at your garden.
CROPS provides regular workshops on growing your own food and improving self-sufficiency.
Sessions can
be held at various times and places to reach the most people.
