Communal gardens are flourishing nowadays. There are certain factors that have led to the popularity of community gardening, such as poverty and long allocation waiting lists, among others. Community gardens offer a great place for the people to unite, share and learn vital gardening skills. These gardens also contribute to the wellbeing of the gardeners within the community. Outlined in this article are clear steps for setting up a successful communal garden.
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Meeting with Interested Parties
First, you need to schedule a meeting with all the interested people. The aim is to determine whether or not the garden is needed. You also want to know the kind of garden to set up. It can be a garden for flowers, vegetables or even both. Also, get to know who benefits from it. It is good to invite tenants, neighbors, horticultural societies and community organizations. In short, you should invite anyone who is interested.
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Forming a Planning Committee
Secondly, you should consider forming a planning committee. This particular group comprises of individuals who feel dedicated to creating the garden and investing time in it. It is advisable to choose individuals who are well-organized to be garden coordinators. The committee is supposed to tackle specific tasks, such as funding, youth activities, communication and construction.
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Assessment of Community’s Assets
Thirdly, consider identifying all your resources. You have to assess the community’s asset. You want to know what skills and resources are available in the community that can help in creation of the garden. If possible, consider calling the local municipal planners to in order to know possible sites. You also need to contact horticultural societies for further assistance. Do not ignore the views of the community members. Interact with them to know who has experience in gardening and landscaping.
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Talk to a Sponsor
Again, you need to approach a sponsor. Although some gardens get support from their members, a sponsor is essential because of donation of seeds, tools and money. You can also seek support from institutions, such as churches, private businesses, schools and recreation departments.
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Select a Site
There are things you need to consider when choosing a site. These may include water availability and type of soil. You want a site whereby vegetables can do well. Soil test should be done to determine the possible pollutants. Get to know who owns the land so that you can organize on how to lease it.
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Start Preparing and Developing the Site
The land needs to be prepared well for planting. To make work easier, you can organize volunteer work to have it cleaned thoroughly. The team is supposed to gather materials and decide on the design and arrangement of the plot.
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Organizing the Garden
Members should determine the number of plots available and how they are going to be assigned. Make sure you allow enough space for making compost and tool storage. There should also be pathways between plots. The garden needs also to be demarcated or fenced to keep off non-gardener and passersby.
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Plan for Kids
You have to create a special garden for children. It is important to include kids in the process of gardening. They will be able to do the gardening at their own pace since they have a separate garden.
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Come Up With Written Rules
It is the work of the gardeners to device their own rules. Creating their own rules and regulations enable them to know what is expected of them at any given time. It should be seen as a code of behavior.
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Help Members to Remain Together
If there is good communication and conduct, there will be strong community garden. Everybody will be able to participate fully. In fact, strong communal gardens can be created only if there is full participation by every member.