The Purpose of a Community Garden

A community garden is when a tract of land is set apart within a community for gardeners. It is started by person or a group of people that get together and decide they want a community garden. They usually form an association with written rules to help keep order and peace in the gardens. If rules are set up and in place when the community garden begins people know what is expected on them and how they should share the common gardening areas.

Quite often there is a fee associated with the community gardens for clean up and plowing if that is made available to gardeners but you may find allotment gardens or community gardens that are free in exchange for your volunteer labor. Churches and schools are often free community garden sites. There are also nonprofit organizations that sponsor a community garden.

In a typical community garden, a person applies to be a member of the community garden. They agree to the rules and then will receive a garden plot. After the member is approved, he or she will take care of his or her particular plot for the rest of the season or year. If the rules are followed they will be eligible to return to the gardens next year.

Depending on the size and location of the garden, gardeners may be able to grow some fruit. A few larger community gardens have even allowed poultry to be raised.

What are the advantages and purpose of a community garden?

• Community gardens gives gardening space to those who live in apartments, have yards that are not garden friendly or live in cities.
• These gardens create friendships and build community spirit.Garden tips and advice can be shared by gardeners that will benefit in the raising of crops.
• Gardeners often share their crops that they have more produce than they can use.
• With the high cost of gasoline communities can help out by raising their own crops without the use of large machinery.
• Gardening is environmentally friendly and with people raising more crops and plants it helps balance out the negative effects of population and pollution.
• Most community gardens encourage organic growing methods. This is better for the environment and the food that is produced is healthier for humans and animals.

If you are interested in a community garden in your area contact you local government offices or the home extension office.

The Gardener’s Rake is sponsoring a community garden contest from Feb 4 to Feb 18 2008. If you are interested in participating Please submit a piece of garden trivia or garden history to communitycontest@thegardenersrake.com. Please note: If you use a specific site that has a copyright I will need this information. If the submission is in your own words it should not be necessary. This is very important.

The winner receives 20 packets of seeds, one gardening book and several gardening tools. Check the entire story here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/2049821/Community-Garden-Contest-Victory-Garden-contest-begins