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._ Twin Cities -G�--R�ENING MATTERS Promo[ing and Preserving Communiry Gardening across [he Twin Ci[ies inio@gerdeningmaaers.org 612-492-6964 www.gardeningmatters.org COMMUNITY GARDEN START-UP GUIDE Adapted for ihc T�vin Citics metro area by Garden Works, now Gardcnin� Matters, Scptzmbcr 2007, tiom thc LA versiun found at http://cclosangdes.ucdavis.cdu/gardon/srticic,dpdf7startup_guidc.pdf. 8/IS/2007, wi�h permilsion. This "Community Garden Starc-Up Guide" is intended to help neighborhood groups and organiratioas along the path to starting and sustaining a community garden. Why Start a Communuy Garden? Many families living in the city would like to grow some of their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Some want to save money on their food bills. Others like the freshness, flavor and wholesomeness of homegrown produce. And for many, gazdening is a relvcing way to exercise and enjoy being out-of-doors. There are also families from other cultures who would like to grow traditional foods not available in the supermarket. Community gazdens beautify neighborhoods and help bring neighbors closer together. They have been proven as tools ro reduce neighborhood crime--particulazly when vacant, bHghted lots are tazgeted fot garden development. Community gazdens provide safe, recreational green space in urban areas with litUe or no parkland, and can contribute to keeping urban air clean. !.. Those who are ]ucky enough to have sunny backyards or tialconies can plant a garden whenever they have the time and energy. But what about those who do not have a place to gazden? For these people, community gardens may be the answer. Step by Step to your own Community Garden 1. Get Your Neighbors Involved There is a lot of work involved in starting a new gardea Make sure you have severa] people who will help you. Over the years, our experience indicates that there should be at least ten interested families to create and sustain a gazden project. Survey the residents of your neighborhood to see if they are interested and would participate. Create and distribute a communitv flver (page 10) inviting people to become involved. Hold monthly meetings of the interested group to develop and inivate plans, keep people posted on the gardeds progress, and keep them involved in the process from day one. 2. Form a Garden Group A garden group is a way of formally organizing your new group. It helps you make decisions and divide -up the work effectively. It also ensures that every one has a vested interest in the garden and can contribute to its design, development, and maintenance. It can be formed at any time during the process of starting a community gazden; however, it's wise ro do so early on. This way, group members can shaze in the many tasks of establishing the new garden. Fach garden goup will: • Establish garden [ules • Collect garden dues • Paywaterbills • Resolve conflic[s � , ,., i� .l l: S!nr:-I o