How to Start a Community Garden
Gateway Greening has been supporting community gardens and urban greening projects since 1984. With over 25 years of experience, we can offer suggestions on how to start a community garden that will be a successful and sustainable neighborhood asset. Three basic elements that any community garden or urban greening project should have are a committed core community group, a suitable garden site, and a well thought out garden plan.
Garden Group
The core community group should consist of at least 10 adults, depending on the size and scope of the project. Most of the members should be residents of the neighborhood. Having local neighbors involved ensures there is an incentive for the success of the project. The group should also consist of a diverse range of people. Different ages and various backgrounds brings a wide set of skills to the projects and having younger participants can help with the physical demands of a garden project. Consider how much garden experience there is in the group, not everyone needs experience, but it is helpful to have a couple experienced gardeners willing to teach others. Most importantly, the group should have members who are motivated and have a strong commitment to the project. A lack of gardening knowledge and inexperience can be countered by a committed and motivated group.
Garden Site
The right site is important to the long term success of a project. The garden group should know who the lot owner is, if there are future plans for the site, and if it is suitable for a gardening project. St. Louis City LRA currently maintains approximately 8,000 lots, and many of Gateway Greening supported gardens lease vacant lots from LRA. To see if a lot is owned by LRA or to find a lot in your area you can visit the St. Louis City LRA Website. Another source of land might be a neighborhood organization, non-profit, church, school, or a neighborhood member who privately owns a suitable lot. Regardless, it is important to get a written agreement from the owner permitting the use of the land and for how long. This is a requirement for any community garden applying for a Gateway Greening Community Garden Grant. Speak with your alderperson to find out if there are development plans for the project location, or if there are plans to sell the property. Finally, the site has to be suitable for a garden. The site must get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, have access to water and is accessible to large trucks in order receive deliveries of soil and mulch.
Garden Plan
After the group is committed, and has obtained a site for the project, the next step is to develop a garden plan. The plan should be appropriate for the site, the group size, and the garden goals. It is important to involve as many people as possible in developing the plan; if a gardener is active in the planning process they will have a greater ownership and commitment to the project. Start off small, the larger the project, the more time the group must commit to maintaining it. There is ample opportunity for expansion of the garden, so your project plan can include plans for the future. Do your planning with your group, but if you need help, Master Gardeners and Gateway Greening Staff are available to meet with your group.
Once you have these three elements: the group, an appropriate site, and garden plan, you can apply to Gateway Greening for a Community Garden Grant. For more information, grant availability, and eligibility see our Community Garden Grants page.
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