No space? Try a community garden

Kids who participate in gardening learn about responsibility, the environment, and can take their new gardening skills with them into the future. Unfamiliar or previously disliked fruits and vegetables often become favorites if a child has taken part in the process of nurturing a garden. You need to consider your personal likes and dislikes as well as what will grow in your area. The Internet, local library or garden center can provide you with the information you will need to plant the best varieties of plants that will thrive in your area. Community gardens can often help you and provide you with information about how much water and other nutrients your plants will need.Just because someone doesn't appear to be using a vacant lot doesn't mean the land is available. You could work hard and not have any of the benefits if you trespass. Community garden groups often work with city governments to secure accessibility to open or abandoned land. Be sure you do this before you take another step.View the list »
Community gardens bring people together.

Community Issues newsletter

Are you beginning to see signs of spring and thinking about how delicious just-picked produce can be, or how you can save money growing some of your own food? Suddenly you remember you live in an apartment or condo, or have a yard the size of a postage stamp. Don’t worry, many communities have or are starting community gardens.

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It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors, help your community, and help yourself all at the same time. It can be organized as suggested by the American Community Gardening Association, an organization that offers information on how you and your community can set up a garden, or it can be as simple as joining a local group or working with neighbors.

One of the most important aspects is the ground you plan to use. Is it legally available (who owns it, are their insurance issues)? Is it viable for growing what you want to grow? What is the source for water? Is security an issue? Are you planning to do this for one season or is this a long-term project? Do participants agree on who will do the work and who will benefit, or will everyone work with individual predetermined plots within a larger garden? Whatever you do as a group, get it in writing.

It’s also important to check with your local government and find out about any ordinances that may affect your community garden. My city has one of the nation’s leading sustainability programs, and works with local community gardening groups making city property available for use. If you don’t have a program like this in your community, why not suggest starting one. There is often usable abandoned property that could be a real boon to local families, shelters and food banks.

If this all sounds too complicated, do you have a neighbor or know someone with available land? Perhaps they are older or work long hours and need help putting in and maintaining a garden. Provide the labor and share the bounty.

There is nothing like the quality and flavor of fresh produce. With a little planning, you and your neighbors could benefit, children could learn about the land and how to grow things, and everyone can get healthier - deliciously.

Please take a moment and comment on this article below. Click on subscribe to receive an e-mail when Alison publishes new articles. Alison is also Books Examiner, Social Issues Examiner, Salt Lake City Comfort Food Examiner and Salt Lake City Political Buzz Examiner. For a link to all of Alison’s Community Issues articles, please click here. Thank you.

Source: American Community Gardening Association, Salt Lake City Government, Wasatch Community Gardens

View the list
  • Just because someone doesn't appear to be using a vacant lot doesn't mean the land is available. You could work hard and not have any of the benefits if you trespass. Community garden groups often work with city governments to secure accessibility to open or abandoned land. Be sure you do this before you take another step.
  • You need to consider your personal likes and dislikes as well as what will grow in your area. The Internet, local library or garden center can provide you with the information you will need to plant the best varieties of plants that will thrive in your area. Community gardens can often help you and provide you with information about how much water and other nutrients your plants will need.
  • Kids who participate in gardening learn about responsibility, the environment, and can take their new gardening skills with them into the future. Unfamiliar or previously disliked fruits and vegetables often become favorites if a child has taken part in the process of nurturing a garden. 
  • There's nothing like the flavor or health benefits you can get from eating fresh fruits and vegetables. There's nothing more rewarding than growing them yourself. You know how much work it took and somehow, they taste even better. There's nothing like the smell of fresh damp earth or a tomato warmed by the sun. Find a community garden in your area or start one this spring. You'll be hooked.
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, Community Issues Examiner

Salt Lake City native Alison Peek has had a life long fascination with Utah politics. After earning a degree in political science from the University of Utah, she had an unlikely but rewarding career in advertising. Alison is pleased to be returning to her roots - writing and politics. She enjoys...

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