Community Garden Magazine Community Garden Magazine Issue 14 October 2016 | Page 15

2. Form a Planning Committee
This group can be comprised of people who feel committed to the creation of the garden and have the
time to devote to it, at least at this initial stage. Choose well-organized persons as garden
coordinators Form committees to tackle specific tasks: funding and partnerships, youth activities,
construction and communication.
3. Identify All Your Resources
Do a community asset assessment. What skills and resources already exist in the community that can
aid in the garden’s creation? Contact local municipal planners about possible sites, as well as
horticultural societies and other local sources of information and assistance. Look within your
community for people with experience in landscaping and gardening. In Toronto contact the Toronto
Community Garden Network.
4. Approach A Sponsor
Some gardens “self-support” through membership dues, but for many, a sponsor is essential for
donations of tools, seeds or money. Churches, schools, private businesses or parks and recreation
departments are all possible supporters. One garden raised money by selling “square inches” at $5
each to hundreds of sponsors.
5. Choose A Site
Consider the amount of daily sunshine (vegetables need at least six hours a day), availability of
water, and soil testing for possible pollutants. Find out who owns the land. Can the gardeners get a
lease agreement for at least three years? Will public liability insurance be necessary?
6. Prepare And Develop The Site
In most cases, the land will need considerable preparation for planting. Organize volunteer work
crews to clean it, gather materials and decide on the design and plot arrangement.
7. Organize the Garden
Members must decide how many plots are available and how they will be assigned. Allow space for
storing tools, making compost and don’t forget the pathways between plots! Plant flowers or shrubs
around the garden’s edges to promote good will with non-gardening neighbors, passersby and
municipal authorities.
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