Faith-based Community Garden

[johnbmarek]

Hey, everyone. SFGer since 2012, but looking to take on a new challenge. Proposing a community garden project to my church board. Would be built on some property the church owns a few miles outside of town. My vision is for a “hybrid” garden which would include both individual space-for-rent and communal growing for farmers market/food pantry. Would love to hear from anyone who has taken on a similar project and learn what challenges/issues you had.

John-

[sanderson]

John, Enter the word community in the Search box. There are 43 threads on the subject of community gardens. I'm not sure folks, with even the best of intentions, would want to drive very far. Is there any room on or adjacent to the church, within walking distance? Parking, private property, weekly visit, restroom, church kitchen (?), shade, tables and chairs, etc., would make it attractive.

Check out this thread: https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t22597-wednesday-wisdom-sfg-foundation#290210

[Dan in Ct]

John, as Sanderson stated, keep it convenient for the gardener, for watering, a shed for tools and implements, shade for the middle of the summer and most importantly knowing it will never look like what you envision, close but not quite. Keep it fun when it becomes work less people show up. Keep it educational, maybe a timely 15 minute workshop on a couple of specific topics once a week or every other week, maybe teaming an older knowledgeable gardener with a younger inexperienced one who share the bounty, educational while building community. Some silly contests, ribbons or tiny trophies for gardener of the year and prize worthy produce at harvest time. A community garden is always a work in progress. People garden for a multitude of reasons and with many different methods, a true community garden welcomes them all.

[sanderson]

John,  . . . I'm not sure folks, with even the best of intentions, would want to drive very far.  Is there any room on or adjacent to the church, within walking distance?  Parking, private property, weekly visit, restroom, church kitchen (?), shade, tables and chairs, etc., would make it attractive.

Clarification. When I wrote "make it attractive" I meant in a practical sense, not in beauty.

[johnbmarek]

Thanks for the comments and info. I will check it out.

[sanderson]

The plots are 10x20' but if the plots were two 4'x20' beds, or four 4'x8' beds, with 2' inter-isles, it might be better, in my opinion. One garden is located in a depressed area and serves the neighborhood, within walking distance.

https://ucanr.edu/sites/mgfresno/Community_Gardens_/

[johnbmarek]

Agreed. I was thinking that 4X8 would be our standard bed size. It’s easy lumber to source and the beds are visually appealing.

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