Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
spread the chips for you. You can also engage a landscape contractor. If you are part of a citywide com-
munity gardening organization, chances are they will have resources you can tap into as well.
THE ABSOLUTE BASIC GARDEN SUPPLY LIST
Hand tools
Hoes
Hoses
Rakes
Shovels
Watering cans
Garden Supplies and Amenities
When it comes to supply needs for the garden, consider the items for one-time or occasional use (lots
of shovels and wheelbarrows to move all that soil and all those wood chips), and items for ongoing use
(hoses, watering cans, and garden tools). Decide what the garden as an organization will provide, what
the gardeners need to provide for themselves, and what can be borrowed from local organizations for
special projects or group activities.
Garden supplies are a great way to get participants involved in constructing the garden. Many people
have extra wheelbarrows and shovels that get used infrequently (and may be taking up space). After
compiling your wish list, ask volunteers to donate tools and other supplies on a short-term, long-term,
or permanent basis. If items are on loan, and the gardeners want their stuff back at some point, make
them responsible for marking items clearly with their name, in a way that will last all season (masking
tape with a name written with a waterproof pen might be enough, or something more substantial may be
required). If members donate other materials as a gift to the garden, be sure to thank them publicly and
let everyone know what they donated. This will not only make the donor feel good, but will provide a
good example for other gardeners to pitch in as well.
If you can't get all the equipment you need from your gardeners—particularly for one-time pro-
jects—often neighborhood parks have extra shovels and wheelbarrows they may allow you to borrow
for a few days. It doesn't hurt to make friends with your local parks department! They might also have
horticultural experts on staff who can provide advice or education for you or your gardeners.
Besides supplies, there are other amenities you may want to consider for your garden. Your commu-
nity might be thinking a storage shed would be awfully nice. Maybe some benches and—oh! A pergola
for shade! And maybe a stage! It is easy to be a dreamer in the garden. Before you know it, your ima-
ginary garden has an outdoor kitchen, a built-in sound system, and a hot tub. Some stuff is necessary
and some stuff is nice to have. Remember, you don't need to do everything the first year. (And after
you've shoveled all those wood chips and soil, that advice will make even more sense.)
Start with a storage area. This can be as simple as a plastic storage chest from a big-box home store,
or as elaborate as a custom-built toolshed. For the first year, start out with something simple and prac-
tical, such as a lockable storage chest. Once you understand your garden community's needs and the
skill sets of your volunteer base, then decide on the best method to store equipment. And remember, if
you're building any permanent structures in the garden, research permit requirements before you start.
