It’s been on my mind for a while to start a community garden ever since I moved into my new neighborhood a year and some months ago. I’m not sure exactly why this became such a huge desire in my soul, but I’m still trying to make it happen. I’ve been scouring the internet to find ways to help fund this very large endeavor, and I’ve kept Mr. Houseful up at night talking about my hopes and dreams for our neighborhood.
I’m sure that a part of this was sparked by my participation in the Illinois Farm Families program back in 2013. Seeing families create lives for themselves based on what they grew or raised was an amazing experience for me. I’ve always wanted to grow a humble garden. I remember my days in grammar school after reading The Secret Garden and wishing so hard that we had a “bit of earth” to grow tomatoes and watermelon and cucumbers and every other imaginable topping for a salad and beyond. I wanted to sink my hands into pitch-black soil and walk away smelling like I made a difference.
Hopefully this year, I will get a chance. I’m looking to expand from just my #backyardgarden into one of three lots giving to me my alderman. I want to expound on the mission that Habitat for Humanity has put forth and continue to pull the community together.
It’s going to take a ton of hard work to start a community garden. Many hours of effort, and maybe even some crying. I’m pretty sure that there will be some crying. Crying that no one cares about it as much as I do, or that I’m doing all of the work. But a part of me knows that this is just a mechanism to protect myself in case that does happen. Even though I know that more than likely, I will have more involvement than I know what to do with.
So, today, I sit and scour the web for grants to apply to, and for in-kind help that we can get to help see the vision of our neighborhood come to life. So for my friends who are reading this, suggestions? Help? Good thoughts and prayers?
Start A Community Garden
Give me your best tips in the comment section below, and I’ll make sure to keep you updated on our progress.
Elle (CleverlyChanging)
Thursday 11th of May 2017
We have a small garden in our backyard. Last year we grow kale, tomatoes, cabbage, and strawberries. We planted green beans and peppers too but they didn't grow well. I like having a garden for my homeschool children to learn about where their food comes from. We are also vegetarian so growing my own vegetables is practical and frugal. I love reading about what you do in your garden. My mother in law has gardened for years since her children were little and she grows tons of different vegetables and herbs. I'd like to have a larger garden someday.
Evelyn Reese
Wednesday 10th of May 2017
I don't any tips any addition to ones above. Community gardens are great idea. We have several school participating the FARM to School initiatives in my area. This gives the kids accountability with learning how to plant, culivate and grow their own foods. In addition, the schools share this with the local community. I pray God will supply all your needs in this endeavor.
Jennifer
Wednesday 10th of May 2017
I love the idea of starting a community garden! It's a great way for citizens to give back to their community and come together to strengthen the community. There are a few community gardens where I live. I can't wait to see the plants blossom!
Candice
Wednesday 10th of May 2017
I wish I could give tips. Community gardens are a great idea. I have such fond memories of being a kid gathering produce from my grandmothers garden in Upstate NY. All of our family ate good. Turnip greens, Collards, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumber, sugar snap peas....Im trying to plan a balcony garden for my kids.
Courtney CJ
Tuesday 9th of May 2017
I think this is so awesome. Last year at my campus we had a tower garden and eventually the Mayor of Dallas ate a salad from the tower we grew. It's so important and it gave my kids ownership. Kudos to you as you get it started!