how do you protect your graden from theft?

lih 9/19/2011, 10:05 pm

i am trying to bring SFG to our church missionary in South America. He sees the potential of SFG (SMG). But he knows people will steal from the garden. He asked how do you prevent that?
Any ideas?
thanks.
lih

middlemamma 9/20/2011, 2:44 am

acara 9/20/2011, 6:38 am

Goosegirl 9/20/2011, 6:53 am

I think what they are trying to tell you is that, short of violence, some things are going to get nipped! If the SMG's are going to be in an area that is having a rough economy, you will lose some things. Fencing is good but will not deter the most determined thieves, especially if the garden is not close to a house where occupants will hear commotion.

GG

jkahn2eb 9/20/2011, 9:08 am

Grow only plants that have a high ROI (see my thread). Just kidding. But then again...

acara 9/20/2011, 12:09 pm

BackyardBirdGardner 9/20/2011, 12:32 pm

We may be joking around, but I think the point is that you just can't stop a thief determined to steal. You can only deter the amatuers. And, a fence with a locked gate is about all you can do short of an armed guard.

middlemamma 9/20/2011, 2:00 pm

Sorry OP...we have the tendency to take the humorous road here too often!!

There is a device on the market called the scarecrow that is motion activated like a security light, but it sprays water.... that might help in this situation. But from what I hear it sprays the garden caregiver as well when forgotten and left armed! Apparently it doesn't play favorites.

I was only kinda joking with my first post...I have no problem garding my garden with a pellet gun or sling shot from man or beast. Embarassed

It would only happen a time or two and they would leave your garden alone. how do you protect your graden from theft? 680166

NaturesApprentice 9/20/2011, 2:47 pm

I know I might be alone with this, but what is the purpose of the church's garden if not to feed the hungry community? It seems like a good way to bring people to the church and integrate with the congregation all while providing for those that are in need of food. You didn't mention which particular path the church is, but I imagine this to be a good outreach opportunity. Maybe they could offer gardening classes and seeds so people could feed themsleves.

That said, I've seen a video for community gardens (I think the link is in this board somewhere) where they offered up a 'sacrificial plot' with a sign that read "Please steal from this area only".

Kind of tongue-in-cheek, but it lets everyone feel good about what they are doing. "I was hungry and you gave me food" and all that.

-NA

BackyardBirdGardner 9/20/2011, 3:18 pm

Somebody finally saw the bigger picture! clap

It may not be what OP wants to hear, but I'm on board with you, NA. Nicely stated. Well, ....until I saw that guy selling my produce a block away.

NaturesApprentice 9/20/2011, 4:06 pm

BackyardBirdGardner wrote:Somebody finally saw the bigger picture!
It may not be what OP wants to hear, but I'm on board with you, NA. Nicely stated. Well, ....until I saw that guy selling my produce a block away.

Yeah, that was the only hole in my theory that I could find, as well. But, if it makes you feel any better, your "donation" is helping to stimulate your local economy...just not local enough.

I have to venture that if we were only interested in the "destination" vs. the journey, we might as well buy our food at the store. Theft is a chance for us to share the fruits of our labor with those in need (in some form or another) and it also allows us to do something we love: Garden some more.

I go into my son's video games and delete his high scores for this same reason. Cool

-NA

Chopper 9/21/2011, 1:10 am

If it cannot be fenced or guarded then the only solution I can think of is to get the involvment of the community. Yours and theirs. Teach SFG and composting (although that is probably already known) and provide seeds. And as was mentioned before - "Please Steal From These Beds Only"

Mamachibi 9/21/2011, 9:29 am

I like the idea of having "free beds" (but don't like the "steal" terminology on those beds.) True thieves won't be deterred by signage and in a seriously bad economy, they will feel no guilt for fencing their stolen booty for rent money.

In America, I sure wouldn't use any water-squirting, light-blinking or other physical barrier tech because it might cause perceived injury that would land you in court. I doubt other countries have this problem.

**sfg4uKim** 9/21/2011, 11:24 am

One thing Mel mentions in regards to this is if they have a stable, flat roof they put the SFG there and take the ladder inside at night.

Below is a picture of a 2x4 that can be carried by 2 people so they can follow the sun. Maybe it can be brought inside if there is room in the building.

how do you protect your graden from theft? Stretc10

how do you protect your graden from theft? Stretc10

They could always post a sign that says something like: "Stop in and we will be glad to help you start your own garden."

**Kelejan** 9/21/2011, 2:34 pm

If that 2x4 pictured could have a couple of small wheels put at one end, then one person could wheel it around the yard like a barrow.

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