Community Garden Magazine Issue Five January 2016 | Page 25

Information provided courtesy of USDA’s People’s Garden Initiative.

Make It Your Own Every community garden is different – design your
garden to -t the needs of the community. Consider factors such as: ageappropriate design, accessibility, protection from animals or vandalism,
storage of tools and plenty of room for all your gardeners. Use these
tips to make your garden sustainable: • using native plants •
composting • mulching • applying an integrated pest management
approach • creating a habitat for wildlife • using water wisely •
installing a rain barrel Helpful hint: The USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone
Map helps to determine which plants will thrive in your part of the
country. Finding the Right Space What type of community garden do
you want to plant? Depending on the type of garden, you can increase
access to fresh, healthy food in rural towns or provide safe green
spaces where youth can play in urban cities. If you’re growing food in
your garden, find a location that receives at least six hours of direct
sunlight per day with easy access to water and proper drainage. Once
you identify an ideal site, find out who owns the land. Contact the land
owner and discuss next steps. Enlist Help from Others Form
partnerships to leverage resources and gain access to: materials, tools,
funding, volunteers and technical assistance.

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