Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The original land agreement was short-term. We knew the physical garden would only last as long as
the property was available, so the small beds, stage, and other areas were built to be easily moved.
Everything was made to be portable so the garden could move to new, unused land.
To date, Peterson Garden Project has moved three gardens to new locations and built a total of elev-
en. The community moves with the gardens and, each spring when fresh gardens are created, new
people learn the basic tasks of food growing, community, and garden building.
Untidiness
When you say “garden,” most people think ornamental beds that are grown for their beauty.
Vegetable gardens, while beautiful in their own right, are grown to produce food. And, at certain times
of the year, they can look a little unkempt. As a vegetable gardener, you might not mind beans drying
on the vine, but the neighbors might see them as a bunch of dead plants. It is important to consider the
aesthetics of the community garden, particularly in areas visible to neighbors or passersby. If you don't
hear this as a concern before you start your garden, you will once the garden is in. Be prepared to ad-
dress these issues and respect that not everyone appreciates the unique attributes of a vegetable garden
or even cares. Plan accordingly. Often some delicious homegrown tomatoes delivered with a smile are
all it takes to soothe a ruffled neighbor.
THIRD MEETING: DESIGNING THE GARDEN
So far, there has been a lot of information presented. Some of it might apply to your project, some might
not. Don't be overwhelmed or think you have to incorporate it all, or that you must set up your garden
to match the gardens that were presented earlier in the case studies. Those gardens have evolved to suit
their communities' needs. Now it's time to create
your
unique garden! In this third community meeting,
members and participants will have a chance to determine what the garden will be like. This is going to
be fun!
Design Considerations
As pencils meet sketch pads (or whatever people are using to convey their dream garden), the realities
of what goes into a community garden will start to pop up. Keep visions grounded in practicality by
reminding participants of important design factors.
Paths
These should be, at a minimum, 3 feet wide. If any partnering organizations require Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, make sure you know what those requirements are and how
they might impact your budget.
Raised beds
If your garden is going to have raised beds, they shouldn't be too wide (gardeners shouldn't
be stepping in the soil). Make sure they are no more than 4 feet wide, so all crops can be accessed easily
around the perimeter of the bed. If you need to situate gardens against a fence, put the short ends against
the fence (chain link makes a great trellis). If you must put a raised bed longwise against a fence, make
it no deeper than 3 feet so a gardener can reach across from the side opposite the fence.
Water
Consider the garden water source. Depending on the watering method you want to use—watering
stations or hoses—make sure to leave room around the watering area. Watering areas tend to be wet,