A community garden is a remarkable sight. Individual plots, growing plants, which are as unique as the people who grow them. The first step is to setup a planning committee to determine if there is a need or desire for a community garden. Some of the considerations should be the needs of the community and the garden uses. Gardens that will have elderly participants and children may want to arrange for raised beds. Trees may not be allowed if they shade sun-loving vegetables.

Other Considerations

* Who will the garden serve?

* What are the short and long-term goals?

* How does the decision making process work?

* Who chooses the leader?

* How will you share the work?

* How will you raise money?

* How open are you to changes as the goals and membership change?

* Do you plan to incorporate or act as a club?

Funding and Resources

* Form sub-committees for funding and resources

* Find sponsors for land, tools, seeds, fencing, soil improvement and money.

* Determine the cost of membership, if any. Most community gardens have a nominal fee for each plot.

* Setup a communications committee to create a mailing address and central telephone number. Form a telephone tree. Have more than one person to respond to letters and phone calls.

* Setup a budget and assign a treasurer. If you are planning to incorporate, an accountant will be necessary.

Find a garden site. A three-year lease agreement is recommended. Make sure the site gets at least six full hours of sunlight daily. Testing the soil is important. You will want to insure that it has the proper nutrients and no heavy metals. Water should be a consideration. It is advisable to have a water source nearby. You may need insurance. Check with the landowner and the local government.

Preparing and developing the site starts with cleaning. Decide if the gardeners or the committee will be responsible for the land prep. Organize volunteer work crews. Determine plot sizes and how they will be marked. Include storage plans for tools and other equipment. Setup a composting area. A bulletin board is very helpful for announcing events and messages.

Every community garden must have written bylaws. Each member will be required to read and sign the bylaws and complete an application. Each member will be required to sign a Hold Harmless Form.

Bylaws should include:

* Official name of the organization and the legal address

* Organizing members, names and addresses

* The goals and purpose of the organization

* Membership

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