Supporting Community Gardening in Cass and Clay counties

COMMUNITY GARDEN
STARTUP GUIDE
Adapted for Cass and Clay counties by Carlie Froemke, February 2009, from
the Gardenworks version found at http://www.gardenworksmn.org/Resources/startupguide.pdf

This "Community Garden Start-Up Guide" is intended to help neighborhood groups and organizations along
the path to starting and sustaining a community garden.

Worksheets and sample forms and letters have been highlighted throughout this guide and are located in the
appendix – see list of appendices, p.8.

Why Start a Community Garden?

Many families living in the city would like to grow some of their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Some want to save money on their food bills. Others like the freshness, flavor and wholesomeness of
homegrown produce. And for many, gardening is a relaxing way to exercise and enjoy being out-of-doors. There
are also families from other cultures who would like to grow traditional foods not available in the supermarket.

Community gardens beautify neighborhoods and help bring neighbors closer together. They have been proven as
tools to reduce neighborhood crime--particularly when vacant, blighted lots are targeted for garden
development. Community gardens provide safe, recreational green space in urban areas with little or no park
land, and can contribute to keeping urban air clean.

Those who are lucky enough to have sunny backyards or balconies can plant a garden whenever they have
the time and energy. But what about those who do not have a place to garden? For these people, community
gardens may be the answer.

Step by Step to your own Community Garden *sample attachments are underlined
1. Get Your Neighbors Involved
There is a lot of work involved in starting a new garden. Make sure you have several people who will help you.
Over the years, our experience indicates that there should be at least ten interested families to create and sustain a
garden project. Survey the residents of your neighborhood to see if they are interested and would participate.
Create and distribute a community flyer inviting people to become involved. Hold monthly meetings of the
interested group to develop and initiate plans, keep people posted on the garden's progress, and keep them
involved in the process from day one.

2. Form a Garden Group

A garden group is a way of formally organizing your new group. It helps you make decisions and divide -up the
work effectively. It also ensures that every one has a vested interest in the garden and can contribute to its design,
development, and maintenance. It can be formed at any time during the process of starting a community garden;
however, it's wise to do so early on. This way, group members can share in the many tasks of establishing the
new garden.
Each garden group will:
Establish garden rules
Collect garden dues
Pay water bills
Resolve conflicts
The typical garden group has a shared email and phone list of members, and at least two officers: a president and
a treasurer; although your garden group may have more positions. Before the first meeting, each member should
try to do some piece of homework, whether it is identifying possible properties, possible partners, or people or
organizations interested in being part of the community garden. Before the end of the meeting, members should
have the elections, started the phone/email contact list, scheduled the second meeting, and identified a task for
each member to accomplish before the second meeting.
Use the first meeting to draw out people’s interest in the garden and what they would like to see from the
garden. The worksheet, Developing a Vision for Your Garden, can guide the discussion, record the outcomes of
the meeting, and be shared with people who join the garden project later. To insure that everyone feels like they
were heard during this process, go round the group and ask for people’s thoughts and input, and then write it
down on a large pad of paper for everyone to see. Many problems and headaches can be avoided in the future
by developing a vision of the garden at the very start, and can be reviewed when decisions are being made.

3. Find Land for the Garden

Look around your neighborhood for a vacant lot that gets plenty of sun--at least six to eight hours each day. A
garden site should be relatively flat (although slight slopes can be terraced). It should be relatively free of large
pieces of concrete left behind from demolition of structures. Any rubble or debris should be manageable --that
is, it can be removed by volunteers clearing the lot with trash bags, wheelbarrows, and pick up trucks. Ideally, it
should have a fence around it with a gate wide enough for a vehicle to enter. It is possible to work with a site
that is paved with concrete or asphalt by building raised beds that sit on the surface or using containers. You can
also remove the asphalt or concrete to create areas for gardens, but such a garden will be much more difficult,
expensive, and time-consuming to start. A site without paving, and soil relatively free of trash and debris is best.
The potential garden site should be within walking, or no more than a short drive from you and the neighbors
who have expressed interest in participating. If the lot is not already being used, make sure the community
supports establishing a garden there.

It's best to select three potential sites in your neighborhood and write down their address and nearest cross streets.
If you don't know the address of a vacant lot, get the addresses of the properties on both sides of the lot--this will
give you the ability to make an educated guess on the address of the site. We suggest you identify at least three
potential sites because one or more might not be available for you to use for various reasons, and you want to end
up with at least one that works out. Use the Garden Site Evaluation Checklist to help assess potential sites.

4. Find out Who Owns the Land

It is illegal to use land without obtaining the owners permission. In order to obtain permission, you must first find
out who owns the land.
Take the information you have written down about the location of the sites in step 3 to your county's tax
assessor's office. The county or city tax assessor’s office can tell you who owns the property as this is public
knowledge. Increasingly, counties and cities are making this information available online, but you may need a
street address. For properties within Cass County, call the Cass County Treasurer at 701-241-5611 or search the
address online at https://cass.nd.ezgov.com/ezproperty/review_search.jsp. For properties in Clay County, call
the County Recorder at 218-299-5031.

5. Find out if Your Proposed Site has Water

Every garden site must have access to water. The easiest solution is to ask a neighbor resident or business
to provide the garden with water. Propose a seasonal fee for the water use and discuss the need to secure
hoses or locking the spigot. If a neighbor is not available, then contact the city’s water department to get
hooked up to a water hydrant. In some cases, they can connect to a hydrant through the sewer, but it
depends upon the situation.

As your community garden becomes more established, the group may want to install its own water system
and meter. If so, contact the water service provider in your area to find out if your potential site(s)
has/have an existing water meter to hook-in to. Call your water provider's customer service department,
and ask them to conduct a "site investigation". If there has been water service to the site in the past, it is
relatively inexpensive to get a new water meter installed (if one doesn't already exist).

6. Contact the Land Owner

Once you have determined that your potential site is feasible, call the landowner about the proposal and see if
they are open to the idea. If so, then follow-up with a letter to the landowner asking for permission to use the
property for a community garden. Be sure to mention to the land owner the value of the garden to the community
and the fact the gardeners will be responsible for keeping the site clean and weed-free (this saves landowners
from maintaining the site or paying city weed abatement fees). Establish a term for use of the site, and prepare
and negotiate a lease. Typically, groups lease garden sites from land owners for $1 per year. You should attempt
to negotiate a lease for at least three years (or longer if the property owner is agreeable). Many landowners are
worried about their liability for injuries that might occur at the garden. Therefore, you should include a simple
"hold harmless" waiver in the lease and in gardener agreement forms. For more information on the lease, and the
hold harmless waiver, see 8, "Signing a Lease". Be prepared to purchase liability insurance to protect further the
property owner (and yourself) should an accident occur at the garden. For more information on the hold harmless
waiver, and liability insurance, see 8, "Signing a Lease", and 9, "Obtaining Liability Insurance" below.

7. Get Your Soil Tested

It is advisable to have the soil at the site tested for fertility, pH and presence of heavy metals, such as lead
or toxins such as arsenic. For tests for soil nutrients and heavy metals, contact NDSU’s soil testing lab at
701-231-8942, http://www.soilsci.ndsu.nodak.edu/services/Testing/soiltesting/soiltesting.html. A garden
soil test costs $12.05 for North Dakota and Minnesota residents($15 extra to have them take the sample
for you).

8. Signing a Lease
Landowners of potential garden sites might be concerned about their liability should someone be injured while
working in the garden. Your group should be prepared to offer the landowner a lease with a "hold harmless"
waiver (see Sample Lease). This "hold harmless" waiver can simply state that should one of the gardeners be
injured as a result of negligence on the part of another gardener, the landowner is "held harmless" and will not be
sued. Each gardener should be made aware of this waiver and asked to sign the waiver included in the Gardener
Agreement Form (see #13).

9. Obtaining Liability Insurance

Landowners may also require that your group purchase liability insurance. Community gardeners can contact
their neighborhood organization (Neighborhood Association or District Council) to get an insurance rider.
Another option is to contact a non-profit or business that already has property nearby to put a rider on their
insurance. It is possible to purchase insurance independently, but this often is much more expensive than finding
a community partner.

Once you have a lease signed by the landowner and liability insurance, you're free to plan and plant your garden!

10. Planning the Garden

Community members should be involved in the planning, design, and set-up of the garden. Before the design
process begins, you should measure your site and make a simple, to-scale site map. Hold two or three garden
design meetings at times when interested participants can attend. Make sure that group decisions are recorded in
official minutes, or that someone takes accurate notes. This ensures that decisions made can be communicated to
others, and progress will not be slowed. A great way to generate ideas and visualize the design is to use simple
drawings or photos cut from garden magazines representing the different garden components--flower beds,
compost bins, pathways, arbors, etc.--that can be moved around on the map as the group discusses layout.

We strongly recommend that garden group members take the initiative early on to connect with gardeners from
other community gardens in their area or have a similar vision. Not only will group members learn the lessons of
other garden groups, but also take away new ideas and new relationships with nearby and similar community
gardens.

Use the Community Garden Planning Worksheet to guide discussion when designing the layout of the garden
and how the garden will operate. This Planning Worksheet is a good document to review with gardeners at
the annual spring meeting (see #13) and make changes as needed. Use the Community Garden Timeline to
plan your growing season.
Please note that community gardens can be laid out as allotment gardens where folks sign up for a plot or

they can be gardened collectively growing either flowers, food or both. A tomato icon ()
will be used for sections that refer specifically to allotment gardens. If the garden will be gardened
collectively (i.e. no individual ownership in the garden), then please skip these sections.

a. Basic Elements of a Community Garden

Although there are exceptions to every rule, community gardens should almost always include:
o At least 15 plots assigned to community members. These should be placed in the sunniest part
of the garden. Without plots for individual participation, it is very difficult to achieve long-term
community involvement. Raised bed plots, which are more expensive, should be no more than 4
feet wide (to facilitate access to plants from the sides without stepping into the bed), and between
8 and 12 feet long (it is advisable to construct your raised beds in sizes that are found in readily-
available lumber, or that can be cut without too much waste). In ground plots can be from 10 x 10
up to 20 x 20 feet. Pathways between beds and plots should be least 3 feet wide to allow space for
wheelbarrows. The soil in both raised bed and in-ground plots should be amended with aged
compost or manure to improve its fertility and increase its organic matter content.

o Access to water. Develop a watering system for the community garden depending upon the
resources available. Many gardens use a combination of hoses and water barrels (55 gallon food-
grade barrels). Contact the Cass County Soil Conservation District at 701-282-2157 for
assistance with the creation of rain barrels.

o An adjacent delivery site for large quantities of woodchips and compost. This area should be
accessible by large trucks and set-up to contain the delivered materials, such as a short wood or
stone retaining wall to eliminate runoff and discourage neighbors from parking on it.

o A fence around the perimeter with a hedge, and a drive-through gate if the delivery site for
compost and woodchips is inside the fence. In our experience, this is a key element of success.
Don't count on eliminating all acts of vandalism or theft, but fencing will help to keep these to
tolerably low levels.

o A tool shed or other structure for storing tools, supplies, and materials.

o A bench or picnic table where gardeners can sit, relax, and take a break--preferably in shade.
If there are no shade trees on the site, a simple arbor can be constructed from wood or pipe, and
planted with vines.

o A sign with garden’s name, address (street location), sponsors, and a contact phone number
for more information. If your community is bilingual, include information in more languages.

o A shared composting area for the community gardeners. Wood pallets are easy to get and
(when stood on-end, attached in a U-shape, and the inside covered with galvanized rabbit wire)
make an excellent compost bin.
 b. Nice Additions to Your Garden Plan
• A small fruit tree orchard, whose care and harvest can be shared by all the members. The orchard
can also create shade for people as well as shade-loving plants.
• Perimeter landscaping, which can focus on native drought tolerant flowers and shrubs, plants which
attract butterflies and hummingbirds, or roses and other flowers suitable for cutting bouquets. Herbs are
also well-suited to perimeter landscaping and help to create barriers to unwanted pest insects who do not
like the smell of their essential oils.
• A children's area, which can include special small plots for children and a covered sand box.
• A meeting area, which could range from a semi-circle of hay bales or tree stumps, to a simple
amphitheater built of recycled, broken concrete. Building a shade structure above, would be beneficial
as well.
• A community bulletin board where rules, meeting notices, and other important information can be
posted.
• A plot for the food shelf. Contact your local foodshelf to see what items they would like. Consider
shelf-life. If not food, then consider donating a bouquet of flowers to an organization that serves the
community.
• A simple irrigation system with one hose bib or faucet for every four plots. Hand watering with a
hose is the most practical and affordable for individual plots (and it's almost a necessity when you start
plants from seed). Drip and soaker-hose irrigation can be used in all areas of the garden for transplanted
and established plants, but especially for deep-rooted fruit trees and ornamentals. If no one in your
group is knowledgeable about irrigation, you might need some assistance in designing and maintaining
your irrigation system. Seek out a landscape contractor or nursery or garden center professional to help
you develop a basic layout and materials list.

11. Creating a Garden Budget

Use your design to develop a materials list and cost-out the project. You will need to call-around to get prices on
fencing and other items. You might be surprised at the total cost once the individual items from the Basic
Elements List (above) are added together. At this point, your group might decide to scale back on initial plans
and save some design ideas for a "Phase Two" of the garden. Use the Sample Budget Worksheet to develop the
garden’s budget and determine a priority list. A budget will help identify annual expenses and determine how
much to charge for a plot.

12. Where to Get Materials and Money

While some start-up funds will be needed through determination and hard work, you can obtain donations
of materials for your project. Community businesses might assist, and provide anything from fencing to
lumber to plants. The important thing is to ask. Develop a Donation Letter that tells merchants about your
project and why it's important to the community. Attach your "wish list", but be reasonable. Try to
personalize this letter for each business you approach. Drop it off personally with the store manager,
preferably with a couple of cute kids who will be gardening in tow! Then, follow -up by phone. Be
patient, persistent, and polite. Your efforts will pay-off with at least some of the businesses you approach.
Be sure to thank these key supporters and recognize them on your garden sign, at a garden grand opening,
or other special event. Additional support from American Community Garden Association (ACGA) is
available in the form of a Proactive Letter of Support. If you would like a letter of support for your garden
email the ACGA projects coordinator Vicki Garret at [email protected].

13. Make Sure Your Garden Infrastructure is in Place

If you have not yet formed a garden group, now's the time to do so. It's also time to establish garden rules,
develop a garden application form (see sample gardener agreement) for those who wish to participate, set
up a bank account, and determine what garden dues will be if these things have not already been done.
This is also the time to begin having monthly meetings if you have not already done so. Also, if you
haven't already contacted your city councilperson, he or she can be helpful in many ways including
helping your group obtain city services such as trash pick-up. Their staff can also help you with
community organizing and soliciting for material donations. Review Community Garden Logistics for
additional suggestions for a solid garden infrastructure.
Many gardens have an annual spring meeting in March or April for the garden group members.
During this meeting,
o Review the Community Gardening Planning Worksheet with the garden group – see if there are any
questions.

o Reassess the garden rules (often listed as part of the Gardener Agreement)

o Review Job Descriptions as a group to see what is working and what should be changed. Assign people
to each job.
o Determine garden officers for following year, if applicable
o Review the Community Garden Health and Safety Policy and go over safe practices within the garden.
o Schedule workdays and special events and assign people to committees for each workday or event.

14. Get Growing!

Many new garden groups make the mistake of remaining in the planning, design and fundraising stage for
an extended period of time. There is a fine line between planning well and over planning. After several
months of the initial research, designing, planning, and outreach efforts, group members will very likely
be feeling frustrated and will begin to wonder if all their efforts will ever result in a garden. That's why it's
important to plant something on your site as soon as possible. People need to see visible results or they
will begin to lose interest in the project. To keep the momentum going, initiate the following steps even if
you are still seeking donations and funds or your project (but not until you have signed a lease and
obtained insurance).

a. Clean up the Site

Schedule community workdays to clean up the site. How many work days you need will depend on the
size of the
site, and how much and what kind of debris are on site.

b. Set-up the Water System

Without water, you can't grow anything. So get this key element into place as soon as possible. There are
plenty of opportunities for community involvement – from preparing water barrels to setting up spigots.

c. Plant Something
Once you have water, there are many options for in-garden action. Stake out beds and pathways
by marking them with stakes and twine. Mulch pathways. You can also plant shade and fruit trees
and begin to landscape the site. If you do not yet have a source of donated plants, plant annual
flower seeds which will grow quickly and can be replaced later.

d. Continue to construct the garden as materials and funds become available.

15. Celebrate!
At this point, your ideas and hard work have finally become a community garden! Be sure to take time to
celebrate. Have a grand opening, barbecue, or some other fun event to give everyone who helped to make
this happen a special thank-you. This is the time to give all those who gave donated materials or time a
special certificate, bouquet, or other form of recognition.

16. Troubleshooting as the Garden Develops

All community gardens will experience problems somewhere along the way. Don't get discouraged–get
organized. The key to success for community gardens is not only preventing problems from ever
occurring, but also working together to solve them when they do inevitably occur. In our experience,
these are some of the most common problems that "crop-up" in community gardens, and our suggestions
for solving them

a. Vandalism
Most gardens experience occasional vandalism. The best action you can take is to replant immediately.
Generally the vandals become bored after a while and stop. Good community outreach, especially to
youth and the garden's immediately neighbors is also important. Most important--don't get too
discouraged. It happens. Get over it and keep going. What about barbed wired or razor wire to make the
garden more secure? Our advice-- don't. It's bad for community relations, looks awful, and is sometimes
illegal to install without a permit. If you need more physical deterrents to keep vandals out, plant roses or
barberry or other thorn-enhanced plants along your fence, their thorns will do the trick! (As with all
thorny plants, maintenance tends to slack over time unless there is a concerted effort to maintain them.)
Another option is to plant a “Vandal’s Garden” outside the garden fence or at the entrance. Place a sign
on this small plot that says, “If you must take food, please take it from here.”

b. Security
Invite the community officer from your local precinct to a garden meeting to get their suggestions on making the
garden more secure. Community officers can also be a great help in solving problems with garden vandalism, and
dealing with drug dealers, and gang members in the area.

c. Communication
Clear and well-enforced garden rules and a strong garden coordinator/committee can go a long way towards
minimizing misunderstandings in the garden. But communication problems do arise. It's the job of the garden
group to resolve those issues. If it's something not clearly spelled out in the rules, the membership can take a vote
to add new rules and make modifications to existing rules.

Language barriers are a very common source of misunderstandings. Garden club leadership should make every
effort to have a translator at garden meetings where participants are bilingual--perhaps a family member of one of
the garden members who speaks the language will offer to help.

d. Gardener Drop-Out
There has been, and probably always will be, some turnover in community gardens. Often, people sign up for
plots and then don't follow through. Remember, gardening is hard work for some people, especially in the heat of
summer. Be sure to have a clause in your gardener agreement which states gardeners forfeit their right to their
plot if they don't plant it within one month, or if they don't maintain it. While gardeners should be given every
opportunity to follow through, if after several reminders either by letter or phone nothing changes, it is time for
the group to reassign the plot or open to someone on the waiting list.

It is also advisable that every year, the leadership conduct a renewed community outreach campaign by
contacting churches and other groups in the neighborhood to let them know about the garden and that
plots are available.

e. Trash
It's important to get your compost system going right away and get some training for gardeners on how to use it.
If gardeners don't compost, large quantities of waste will begin to build up, create an eyesore, and could hurt your
relationships with neighbors and the property owner. Waste can also become a fire hazard. Make sure gardeners
know how to sort trash properly, what to compost, and what to recycle. Trash cans placed in accessible areas are
helpful to keep a neat and tidy garden.

f. Weeds
Early in the season, it becomes clear which gardeners are having difficulty tending to their plot. Be sure to
address this concern with them early on and see if they want to share the plot or relinquish it to another gardener.
Toward the end of summer, gardeners usually let the weeds go as their plants are typically established enough to
contend with weeds. This is a good time to have a neighborhood event (such as the Parade of Community
Gardens) at the garden, to encourage gardeners to tidy up the garden and their plots.

Also, schedule garden workdays in advance since you know you'll need them at least once a month and at the end
of the season to put the garden to bed for the winter. Encourage gardeners to apply a thick layer of mulch or hay
to the beds and paths to reduce weed proliferation.

Good luck with your community garden project!

 Attachments
Community Flyer – An invitation to the community to get involved in starting a new
community garden by Augsburg College’s Tim Dougherty.

Developing a Vision for Your Garden – A worksheet designed to guide a discussion and
record decisions about the garden’s purpose.

Garden Site Evaluation Checklist – A worksheet to help folks assess potential garden sites

Letter to the Landowner – This sample letter is provided as a template for constructing a letter
asking the landowner for permission to create a community garden on their land.

Sample Lease Agreement – Documentation of the agreement between the landowner and the
community garden group for the terms of use

Community Garden Planning Worksheet – Designed to guide group decision-making

about how the community garden will operate.

Community Gardener Agreement – This form is solely an example of a gardener agreement that
could be adapted for your garden group.

Donation Letter – A sample letter to be used by gardeners for asking local merchants and
others for donations. Adapt to your situation.

Preserving the Garden: Elements of Sustainability – Information that every community

garden group should have readily on-hand.

Community Garden Health and Safety Policy – From the Totem Town Community Garden in
St. Paul, this form is distributed during annual spring meeting to remind gardeners to be safe and
protocol for potential hazards in the garden.

Garden Jobs List- Nine categories and specific job descriptions of possible garden jobs. This
listing will help you organize and distribute work loads.

Garden Planning Timeline- The form will help you plan your garden year month by month
with suggested activities.

Resource List- Where to look for more community garden information.

Community Flyer This is an example of a flyer inviting community and neighborhood people to learn
more and become involved in the new community garden. Flyer by Tim Dougherty, Augsburg College.
 Developing a Vision for Your Garden

Defining why you want to develop a community garden will help you create a vision for your garden
project. Similarly, it will help you (your garden group) identify what you want to accomplish and how you
will prioritize your garden’s goals. This will help to recruit new garden members and gain community
support.

Developing A Vision for Your Garden

A Community garden doesn’t just happen, it takes hard work and commitment.
List three reasons why you (your group) want(s) to develop a garden.

1.

2.

3.

Define what you want to accomplish and prioritize your goals.

Example:
1. Our primary goal is to produce fresh nutritious food for our families and our neighbors.
2. We want clean up our neighborhood block and create a beautiful garden where people can come
together.
3. We want to educate youth about gardening and the importance of environmental stewardship.

List three goals your garden group wants to accomplish and then prioritize

1.

2.

3.
Use your garden goals to create a brief mission statement Example: “Our mission is to
strengthen our neighborhood by maintaining a community garden that provides a common ground for
neighborhood members to garden together and get to know each other.”
Create a mission statement that unites the group and the garden to a larger purpose.

Identify how your garden project will benefit your neighborhood and community.
Think of examples:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Adapted from the Guide to Community Gardening (2002) by Urban Lands Program, Sustainable Resources
Center. Resources used in developing the original worksheet are: ☼ Growing Power, Inc. Milwaukee, WI
www.growingpower.org ☼ Philadelphia Green. Philadelphia, PA wwww.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org ☼
Neighborhood Gardens Program. Cincinnati, OH www.civicgardencenter.org
 Garden Site Evaluation Checklist
Sun:
Shade/Partial Shade/ Full Sun (6-8hrs):
Shading Structure Description:
Facing Southwest/South/Southeast/North/Northeast/Northwest:
Soil:
Texture (sand/silt/clay/organic matter):
Drainage (wet-moderate-dry):
Depth of Topsoil (where darker soil ends):
Compact/Loose:
ph level (soil test):
Nutrient levels (soil test): N-P-K
Lead or Other Toxins (soil test):
Topography:
Flat or sloped (degree):
Water Access:
On-site/Neighboring Apt./Home/Business/Church:
Type and Proximity to Garden and Future Plots:
Site Ammenities:
Shed or Tool Box Site:
Composting Site:
Estimate of # of Plots:
Visibility (safety and publicity):
Parking:
Restroom Access:
Power:
Site History (parking lot/gas station/residential):
Vehicle Access:
Neighborhood:
Interest/Involvement Level of Neighbors:
Demographic Profile (Children/young adults/adults/senior citizens):
Crime (drugs/vandalism/violent crime/theft):
Animals (deer/raccoons from the hills/ dogs):
Quick Sketch of Property:

From Brian Emerson and Wasatch Community Gardens staff, From Neglected Parcels to Community Gardens: A Handbook,
http://www.wasatchgardens.org/Library/CommunityGardenStart-upHandbook.PDF
 Sample Letter to Landowner
Property Owner 123 Grand Avenue Our Fair City, ND 55000

Dear [name of landowner],

My name is [your name]. I am contacting you on behalf of the Sunshine Community Garden Committee, a
group of Neighborhood residents working on starting a community garden in the Neighborhood. Our
committee has met several times for planning meetings and has started building a strong and diversified
coalition of supporters for the garden including a representative of the Community Hospital Employee
Advisory Council (who offered volunteers), the Sweet Library Branch, the Neighborhood Community Council,
and the Lutheran Baptist church.

We’ve been searching for potential sites for the Sunshine Community Garden (SCG) and have come
across your property at 9th Street and Grand Avenue (926 Grand Avenue). As you might guess, the
purpose of this letter is to inquire about the possibility of using your land as the site of the garden.

We’d love to speak with you in person or over the phone to discuss what hosting a community garden on
your property would entail. We’d also like to present to you the beautiful and vibrant community gathering
space we envision and discuss our proposal in detail.

In general, the garden would be a place where community members who don’t have their own gardening
space (those living in apartment buildings), or who have too much shade (like so many residents in the
Neighborhood) could grow nutritious produce on plots that they would rent for the cost of maintaining the
garden each year. In addition to making individual plots available to community members, the garden would
serve as a gathering place facilitating positive social interactions. Other possible uses for community
gardens include offering adult educational workshops, youth gardening programs, growing food for local
food bank, and integration within senior centers.

The garden would be managed by the not-for-profit Sunshine Community Garden Committee and there
would be an elected Garden Coordinator to oversee the project in its entirety, a Treasurer to handle the
money generated by fundraising and the plot rental fee, and a Garden Steward who would be in charge of
general maintenance of the garden and to make sure that all the gardeners are maintaining their individual
plots (this means you would no longer need to take care of the site yourself).

Some of the technical issues that would need to be discussed include negotiating a lease, liability
insurance, garden rules and regulations, and water access and billing. Of course, all costs for the
community garden project would be covered by the SCG Committee and the gardeners.

I’ve included with this letter some general information about community gardens provided by GardenWorks,
including a list of some of the benefits community gardens can bring to a community. The SCG Committee is
a well-organized group of interested Neighborhood residents committed to the creation and continued
upkeep of a community garden in the Neighborhood.

Thank you for your consideration of our proposal. Please feel free to contact me over the phone, email, or
by letter to discuss the community garden project in more detail. My phone number, email address, and
mailing address are included below. Thanks again.

Respectfully,

From Brian Emerson and Wasatch Community Gardens staff, From Neglected Parcels to Community Gardens: A Handbook (2005)
 Sample Lease Agreement For Community Garden Site at 926 Grand Avenue
This lease is between Property Owner, the owner of the property at 926 Grand Avenue, and the
lessees: the Sunshine Community Garden and the Neighborhood Council (their address).

The duration of the lease shall be from March 31, 2008 to November 30, 2008 and will be renewed a
yearly basis after November 30, 2008 unless one of the three parties does not approve. There shall be no
charge for use of the land for the purpose specified herein.

The lease is for use of land for the purpose of building and operating a community garden. The garden shall
be located on the eastern portions of the lot owned by Property Owner. The Property owner shall provide
access to and reasonable use of water.

The Sunshine Community Garden will prepare a plan for the garden in consultation with the church
showing the location of the beds and submit the plan to the church for approval.

In the future, features may be added to the garden such as a decorative fence, compost bins, a
pergola/gazebo type structure, a sign, etc. Plans for such improvements will be presented to the church for
design and location approval.

Liability insurance will be provided The Neighborhood Council, and the Sunshine Community Garden and
Property Owner will be listed as additional insured parties on the insurance policy.

Signing of this agreement constitutes acceptance of the above terms and conditions.

Property Owner Date

Sunshine Community Garden Date

The Neighborhood Council Date

 COMMUNITY GARDEN PLANNING WORKSHEET
Discuss these questions and work together to generate ideas and polices for your community garden.
Add more questions as necessary and delete when appropriate.

Garden name ____________________________________________________________________

Garden Opening Date ___________________________ Closing Date______________________

How many plots? _____________ How many people? ____________________

Will there be plot fees? __________ If so, how much? __________________________________

What do plot fees include? (water tilling, tools, etc.) _____________________________________

What is the process for plot selection? ________________________________________________

What about priorities for last year’s gardeners? _________________________________________

What are specific plot care requirements (weed control, etc.) ______________________________

What if the plot is not planted or maintained? __________________________________________

Will a warning be given? _________ By whom? ______________ After how long? __________

What should gardeners have accomplished by the closing date? ____________________________

Will a portion of the fee be refunded if gardener leaves plot in good condition? _______________

Policies What are the rules on pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers? (organic practices are
encouraged)

If a garden OK’s chemical use, what are application rules? (for example on windy days?)
______________________________________________________________________________
What are the garden’s policies on:
Compost Bin and its maintenance: __________________________________________________
Water _________________________________________________________________________
Tools _________________________________________________________________________
Overripe/diseased vegetables ______________________________________________________
Structures/supports_______________________________________________________________
More Polices

Trash____________________________________________________________________________
Parking _________________________________________________________________________
Locking of gate ___________________________________________________________________

Are gardeners responsible for a common garden task?_____________________________________

Are gardeners responsible for weeding the paths around their plots? _________________________

It is OK to grow tall or vining plants? _________________________________________________

Are non-gardeners and children permitted in the garden? _________________________________

What about pets? ________________________________________________________________

Organization
s
Who should be notified if there is a problem in the garden? _______________________________

What should a gardener do in case of an extended absence?_______________________________

Will there be a treasurer? _________________________________________________________

A bank account? ________________________________________________________________

Who will cut grass on borders and boulevards? ________________________________________

Will the garden have a bulletin board or information kiosk? ______________________________

Do gardeners want to order seeds or plants as a group? __________________________________

Features

Will the garden: Set aside a plot for a food shelf? _____________________________________

Who will tend it? _______________________________________________________________

Include plots accessible by wheelchair?______________________________________________

Have a picnic table, bench, trellis or sandbox? ________________________________________

Set aside space for perennial plants or fruit trees? ____________________________________

Have a flower border? _____ Who will tend it? ______________________________________

Parties

What about a spring work day?____________________________________________________

Must gardeners attend group work day? ___________ When? __________________________

What about a regular gardening time? ______________________________________________

What about a harvest potluck? ____________________________________________________

 COMMUNITY GARDENER AGREEMENT
(Information in parentheses is to be determined by individual garden )

(Watts Family) Community Garden Agreement Rules, Terms, and Conditions for
Participation 2009

Introduction

The (organization/garden coordinator/committee) is the highest governing authority at the (Watts Family)

Breaking any rules, terms, and conditions is cause for exclusion from the garden and loss of your plot.
1. You will receive one verbal warning from the garden coordinator/committee.
2. If no response or correction has been made, you will receive written notice two weeks later.
3. In another two weeks, if no response or correction has been made, you will receive written final
notification that you have forfeited your gardening privileges and plot.
4. You will be allowed to reapply for another garden plot only after one year, and only at the discretion of
the garden coordinator/committee.

Rules, Terms, and Conditions for Participation

If accepted as a gardener, I will abide by the following rules, terms, and conditions:
1. I use this garden at the sole discretion of (Watts Family) Community Garden. I agree to abide by its
policies and practices.
2. The fee for the use of the garden is ($32.00) per plot, per year (January 1 – December 31), due on or
before (January 1). Fee for half a year after (beginning July 1 or later) is ($16.00). There are no refunds.
3. Once I have been assigned a plot, I will cultivate and plant it within two weeks. My plot cannot be left
fallow or unused for any period of three weeks or longer.
4. My plot is (20 x 20) feet. I will not expand my plot beyond this measurement or into paths or other
plots. I will keep all my plants within the limits of my garden plot and will not allow any plants to grow
more than six feet high. I must keep my plot free of weeds, pests and diseases.
5. I will keep my plot, paths, and surrounding areas clean and neat. I will completely separate my trash
into three groups: 1) dead plants, leaves, and other green waste plant parts; 2) rocks, stones, and asphalt;
and 3) paper, plastic, cardboard, wood, metal, etc. I will put each type of trash only in the areas
designated specifically for each. Anything I bring from my home I will take back home. I will not bring
household trash and leave it at the (Watts Family) Community Garden.
6. I will have no more than two plots in the (Watts Family) Community Garden. If I adopt an abandoned
plot during the season, I will be happy to relinquish it the following year.
7. I will not plant any illegal plant. I will not smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, use illegal drugs, or
gamble in the garden. I will not come to the garden while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
I will not bring weapons or pets or other animals to the garden.
8. (If the garden is fenced and locked) Guests and visitors, including children, may enter the garden only if
I accompany them. They must follow all rules, terms, and conditions stated here. I will supervise my
children at all times when they are in the garden. I am solely responsible for the behavior of my guests.
8. (If the garden is fenced and locked) Guests and visitors, including children, may enter the garden only if I
accompany them. The must follow all rules, terms, and conditions stated here. I will supervise my
children at all times when they are in the garden. I am solely responsible for the behavior of my guests.
9. The garden coordinator/committee will assign me general garden maintenance tasks each month, and I
must complete them by the end of the month that I am assigned them.
10. I will water my plot according to water-wise guidelines. (If I use more than the recommended amount
of water, I will pay a fee each month to cover the cost of this additional water.
11. I will attend the regular (bi-monthly) garden club meetings. If workshops are offered, I will attend at
least one on each of the following topics: soil preparation and maintenance, watering the vegetable
garden, and pest and disease control.
12. I will not apply any pesticides in the garden without the approval of the garden coordinator/committee.
13. I will not make duplicate keys of any locks at the garden or give my key or lock combination to another
person.
14. I will not take food or plants from other gardeners’ plots. I will not take anything from the garden that is
not rightfully mine.
15. I will respect other gardeners, and I will not use abusive or profane language or discriminate against
others.
16. I will work to keep the garden a happy, secure, and enjoyable place where all participants can garden
and socialize peacefully in a neighborly manner.
17. I forfeit my right to sue the owner of the property and hereby agree to hold harmless the property owner
from and against any damage, loss, liability, claim, demand, suit, cost and expense directly or indirectly
resulting from, arising out of or in connection with the use of the (name)garden by the garden group, its
successors, assigns, employees, agents and invites.

Signed: _________________________________ Date: _________________ Gardener

Approved: ______________________________ Date: _________________ Garden

Coordinator/Committee Member

2/09 (be sure to change this date when the agreement form is changed, and we suggest adding the date to the electronic version as well. Be sure to change
the year at the top each season)
 Sample Budget
Use this worksheet to list anticipated costs for items that your garden group have planned. Record actual
expenditures and donations as they occur.

We’ve included some typical expenses for gardens here in this sample budget.
Please note the dollar amounts used in the worksheet are not estimates and are only illustrative.

Line Items 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year

Revenue/Income
Plot Fees (20plots x $25/plot) $500 $500 $500
Neighborhood Start-up Grant $500
Garage Sale Fundraiser $300
Balance from previous year - $700 $600
Total Income $1,000 $1,200 $1,400
Expenses/ Costs
Basic Elements
Water bill (meter and/or hydrant hook-up) $100 $100 $100
Water system (supplies, like hoses & barrels) $100
Tool storage and combo lock $100
Hand tools (shovels, rakes, trowels, pruners) $100
Lease fee (if applicable)
Liability insurance (if applicable) $100 $100 $100
Woodchips
Compost or topsoil $100
Plant materials (seeds & seedlings)
Printing (agreements, flyers, etc)
Garden sign –construction materials (stakes, board,
paint, brushes) $100
Nice Additions (Wishlist)
Bulletin board – construction materials $100
Pavers
Fence $100
Hedges $100
Picnic table $100
Arbor
Tree(s) $100
Total Expenses $300 $600 $700
NET INCOME (income-expenses) $700 $600 $700
Donation Letter
Tailor to fit your situation
Urban Garden Nursery 123 Hip Hop Street
Word of Advice:
My Fair City, MN 554XX

There is a new community garden starting in your neighborhood, The Sunshine

Community Garden! Our mission is to build community through gardening by creating a space for people
to come together to grow food and flowers the plants are also listed together, sharing gardening techniques and
recipes. We have identified the land, developed the design for the garden, and built a strong contingent of
gardeners in the process!

We are asking Urban Garden Nursery, to help the community garden get Communicate which started by
providing the hedges that will go around the perimeter of the garden. We will acknowledge your donation
on our garden sign.

One of our gardeners will be in contact with you within the week to follow-up our letter. Thank you for
your consideration!
See you in the garden!

Sunshine Community Gardeners ,

Sally Sunrise Abel Artichoke Horace Hortiman

155 Hip Hop Street 234 BeeBop Street 521 Jazz Avenue
 Preserving the Garden: Elements of Sustainability

Anything can happen suddenly to the garden coordinator, and with them the information they hold that
makes the garden go each year. By being proactive, an accident or suddenly moving away won’t
leave the garden group in the lurch and necessitate “reinventing the wheel”.

Be sure that at least three people know the logistics of the community garden and where information is
located, such as…

1. Bank Account
Bank Name:
Bank Address:
Name on Bank Account:
Account-holders’ name(s) (if different):
Bank Account number:

2. Landowner contact information and lease agreement

Address of Community Garden Site:

Parcel Number of garden site:
Name of landowner:
Name of contact person:
Mailing address:
Phone:
Annual Fee (if any):

Email:

End of Lease Date:

3. Liability Insurance renewal

Name of Insurance Holder:

Contact person:

Mailing address:

Phone:

Fee (if any):

Email:

Expiration Date:
4. Water system (how is water handled for the garden?)
Water source: __________________________________
( neighbor, water hydrant, on-site water system, etc.)

Contact name, phone and email:

Fee:

Payment Schedule:

Briefly describe the arrangement and how the water system works:

5. Garbage pick-up (if applicable)

Name of Garbage Service:
Account Number:
Name of Account holder:
Fee:
Payment Schedule:

6. Information about the organizations associated with the community garden.

7. Contact information for all gardeners

8. Garden Contact information

Mailing Address if not the coordinator:

Phone number: Billing address for phone bill (if applicable):

Garden Email address:

Who is in charge of checking the email address:

 Totem Town Community Garden Health and Safety Policy
March 21, 2006

This safety policy is intended to demonstrate that the Totem Town Community Garden (TTCG) recognizes our
responsibility to conduct our gardening activities in a reasonable manner and to maintain reasonably healthy and safe
conditions in the TTCG.

For the purposes of this policy, any reference to the TTCG, “the garden” or “the garden site” means the general
boundaries of the garden.

1. Adult gardeners are responsible for their own safety. Children of gardeners are expected to be under the control of
their parent(s) or guardians(s) when at the garden site. Do not allow children to run in the garden or play on the
roadway to the compost site. Young children should be escorted across the roadway if they are going to the nearby
playground or to the portable toilet on the compost site.

2. If you see a hazard, unsafe condition, or situation that could result in injury or ill health, take the appropriate action.
Eliminate the hazard or unsafe condition only if you are able to do it safely and are comfortable taking the action to
correct the hazard or unsafe condition. Otherwise, notify the garden organizer as soon as possible.

3. Rototillers, lawn mowers, power weed trimmers, wood chippers, chain saws, or other power equipment will be
operated in the garden only by individuals over the age of 16 who own the equipment or have themselves leased the
equipment for use. These individuals use this equipment at their own risk.

4. The use of chemical herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer is allowable only with the consent of the garden group and
with strict adherence to all safety precautions pertaining to the product. These products may not be stored or mixed on
garden site.

5. Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid being in the garden alone. Avoid secluded areas with high vegetation. If
individuals or groups of people taunt, bother, or seem threatening, leave the situation immediately.
 For life threatening or other significant incidents, call 911 immediately. Also, call the garden coordinator.

 For minor, non-emergency, incidents gardeners can notify Saint Paul Police dispatch at 291-1111. Also,
contact the garden coordinator as soon as possible.
6. Do not leave garden tools at the garden site. They should be taken away from the garden when a gardener leaves the
TTCG.

7. No fires or fireworks will be used on the TTCG site.

8. Drugs or alcohol shall not be consumed on the garden site.

9. Urination and defecation on the open ground is not allowed. Gardeners have permission to use the portable toilet
located on the Ramsey County Compost Site.

10. Gardeners agree to hold harmless the TTCG volunteer organizers and work leaders, their partnering organizations
and their employees, Board Members, Officers, Volunteers and other persons and land owner(s) garden(s) from any
liability, damages, loss, injury or claim that occurs in connection with association with the TTCG.

Checklist provided by Totem Town Community Gardeners, April 2007, St. Paul, MN
 Community Garden Job Descriptions
A compilation of job descriptions from several Twin Cities gardens to help you organize and keep the
garden going strong! These are grouped into nine categories with specific job titles and descriptions
below each category. As you can see there are many ways to describe garden jobs –
You won’t need all of these positions filled to have successful garden, but these will give you some good ideas!

CATEGORIES
Coordinator Outreach & Community
Garden Maintenance Water
Maintenance & Repair Pest Control
Events Supplies
Membership & Plots

Coordinator – organize and facilitate all activities in the garden, lead contacts for the garden, manage gardeners and relations with
community, other organizations, etc.

Section Manager – coordinate care and gardener relations of specific sections of the garden

Co-coordinators - As the name implies, the two garden coordinators coordinate and facilitate all activities at the garden.
They are the lead contacts for the garden to outside organizations. Duties include recruiting gardeners to fill needed roles
including the Grounds Committee and future coordinators, and calling meetings and activating the phone tree as
Needed.

Garden Maintenance – care and maintenance of common areas, pathways, borders, common gardens, etc.
Garden Mowers – mow in and around the garden

Community Circle Managers- (3 people) these people will plant the community circle, water and weed it during the
growing season and help distribute the vegetables to community food shelves Garden Beauty Managers-(4 people) This
group will
plant, maintain and plan the perennial and annual plants in the garden. People with knowledge of plants as well as those
who want to learn would be welcome at this job.
Beauty and Order Managers -this group (3 people)will keep the grass cut, handle the garbage, manage the compost bins
and keep the garden free of litter.
Flower Garden Maintenance - Renew existing flower gardens and help establish larger perennial bed rear
front entrance. Cut and remove sod, dig up garden beds, and haul soil amendments, and mulch. Edge and weed borders
and beds. Plant annuals, perennials, and bulbs in existing and new garden areas. Water and mulch plantings, deadhead
spent flowers, and remove dead annuals in fall.
Work Day Leaders
- One week before the workday, call all the people signed up for the workday and let them know what time to meet.
 Send a reminder message to the general garden list.
 Find out from a Grounds Committee member what the tasks will be.
 Give direction to workers as they arrive for the workday.
 Collect a list of names of who showed up. Afterwards, pass the list on to the
 General Work Day coordinator or the Registration Coordinator.
Grounds Committee - their primary task is to identify priority areas for common area maintenance and to
plan workday tasks.
Spring & Fall Clean-up Days/Ongoing Debris Cleanup
Pick up litter, perform seasonal chores
(weeding, raking, hauling debris, moving water barrels) and maintenance as needed. Must be available May 6th and Oct
14.
Pathway Maintenance - Mow common areas and common paths (power weed trimmer provided), replace wood chips at
entrances and remove weeds growing in asphalt paths. Must be available two hours each session, twice per gardening
season

Maintenance & Repair – purchase and repair of structures and equipment, tools, benches, trellises, sheds, hoses, etc.
Tools of the Trade Manager- This handy person will oversee the equipment (minus hoses) of the garden. Keeping tools
repaired and purchasing new tools as needed. This person will also, with help, build a tool storage box for the tools.
Properties coordinator - This person coordinates any repair or replacement of tools, shed, water house, benches, and
existing signs.
Water – Maintenance 'Engineer' (3) - Work with the Water Coordinator to maintain water barrels, lids, hoses and hardware
in good condition. Make minor repairs.
Shed and Wildlife House Maintenance - Regularly inspect the shed, the hose kiosks, and the bird and bat houses for
damage and inform the coordinator if repairs are needed. Assist in making repairs, if needed, and weed around shed.
Tool Maintenance - Regularly check tools in the shed, the hose kiosks, and the bird and bat houses for damage and
inform the coordinator if repairs are needed. Assist in making repairs, if needed, and weed around shed.
Hauling/Delivery - Haul larger items, get compost as needed. You will need a truck or large vehicle.
Special Project: Shed Repair - Remove and replace shed siding. Remove door, construct frame and hang door; construct
and install door overhang. Mount kiosk to the door. Cut, paint and install wooden trim around siding, window and door.
carpentry experience
necessary.
Events – develop and coordinate garden and community events
Events Coordinator- This person will organize pot lucks, national night out and any other events throughout the year.
Events coordinator - Work with other gardeners to plan any desired events, especially potlucks. Also consider a spring
and fall perennial swap to which the neighbors could be invited.
Wood chips - Call to have wood chips delivered as needed to keep a pile available by the main gate. Be sure to have a
good supply at the end of May because they are harder to get in summer.
Special Events: plant sale - Help set up tables and set out plants. Answer questions about varieties and plant culture. Must
be available May 13.
Special Events: Heirloom Festival - Shop for food service items week of event. Help prepare food and display items the
night before event. Help set up tent, tables and displays, provide assistance during event. Help set up tables and displays,
provide assistance during event, and help clean up. Must be available August 18-19.

Membership & Plots – recruit and manage garden members, assign plots, manage plot usage
Repo Crew – restore abandoned plots
Plot assignments and membership coordinator – maintain member contact info and plot assignments, plan
plot sign-up, maintain waiting list, coordinate orientation day for new gardeners
Plot and Path Surveying - Measure
plots, pound durable garden stakes

Outreach & Community – create garden newsletters, public relations, website maintenance, food shelf relationships
Newsletter Crew – Work with Newsletter Coordinator to create and send out newsletter. Newsletter goes out about once a
month and job description mentions each major event for the garden group during the season.
Community Circle Managers- (3 people) these people will plant the community circle, water and weed it during the growing
season and help distribute the vegetables to community food shelves
Garden Historian- This person will document the activities of the garden through photographs and any newspaper articles
about the garden and keep them in a scrap book. This person must be someone who regularly attends events.
Voice Mail monitor - Check the garden voice mail on an almost-daily basis in spring and summer, and weekly in fall and
winter. Arrange to have someone else do it if you will be out of town. The person who monitors voice mail should be the
same as the membership coordinator, because that is what most of the calls are about.
Surplus Produce Distributors - Collect donated produce from the Garden on a regular basis and deliver to area food
shelves. The program will run from June 2 - September 29. Pickups occur Monday-Wednesday-Friday mornings, and
Saturday morning. You must be committed to picking up produce and making deliveries on your assigned days.
Special Project: Garden Plot for Food Donation - Prepare beds for planting: hand dig, add soil amendments. Plant bed and
keep it mulched, watered and weeded throughout the season. Pick produce regularly and place in donation boxes. Clean
up plot at end of season.

Water – regulate water usage, keep garden well-watered

Keepers of the Waters- 4 very responsible people to fill the water barrels, manage the hoses and provide access to the
hoses at specified times during the growing season. I would also like these people to monitor our water usage during the
growing season.
Water - Filling Barrels - Check and fill water barrels at least once per month, as assigned and report hours to group leader.

Pest Control – monitor, report and treat for pest problems including weeds, insects and animal pests
Weed Haulers – removing weeds/brush, take to compost
Woodchuck Warriors – baiting and trapping small animals in garden (see side box for full text)
Weed Monitor – watch for untended plots, monitor for weeds in plots and paths, contact appropriate people with deadlines
for cleaning up the area
Weed Plot Monitoring - Check plots for overgrown weeds, trees, problems with paths. Do follow-up monitoring. Check
gardens in spring to make sure they are planted, and in fall to make sure they're cleaned up. Inspections will occur 6/24-
7/2, 7/29-8/6 and 9/2-9/9

Supplies – secure seeds, plants, woodchips, dumpsters, etc. for the garden season
Plant Donations Crew- this group of 3-4 people will go to the various plant and seed donations, collect plants and seeds
and supervise their distribution and care. This would be a good position for someone who has time during the mornings
and afternoons during the workweek.
Water and Dumpster Monitor – get water turned on in spring, off in fall; get dumpster delivered, emptied regularly and
removed in fall

Adapted from the Gardening Matters publication Community Garden Job Descriptions available at
www.gardenworksmn.org/Resources/Job_Descriptions.pdf
 Planning Your Community Garden’s First Year: Suggested Planning Activities Timeline
*indicates a planning tool is included in the packet

February-March
 Solicit neighborhood involvement
 Form a Garden Group
 Start a contact list

April
 Recruit gardeners
 Establish your new gardening organization
o Develop a vision for your garden*
o Assign jobs to garden group members*
o Fill in the community garden planning worksheet*
o Create a health and safety policy*
o Prepare a community gardener agreement* if necessary
 Choose a garden site
 Name the garden
 Set the garden calendar
 Create a Gardener Welcome Packet (include health and safety policies*)
 Document the elements of garden sustainability*

May
 Till or prepare the garden
 Finalize plans for Registration, Opening Day, special events, etc.
 Hold Registration Day and distribute Welcome Packets
 Hold Opening Day (Consider having a planting party!)
 Consider when to turn on the water (May 1 or later: There is a danger of pipes freezing before that).

June
 Last Planting Date, announced at Spring Registration, is the time by which all gardeners need to have started
gardening or their plot will be reassigned. Some gardens use June 1.
 Hold work days as scheduled to care for common areas, help with weedy plots, fix broken hoses etc.

July, August

 Hold social events at your garden.

 Hold educational events at your garden that could include bringing interpreters to help non-English speakers
share their gardening skills, classes in the garden led by experts, food preservation workshops led by NDSU
Cooperative Extension, or welcoming the public to your garden for tours.
September
 Shut off water by September 30.

October
 Send postcard reminder of Closing Day.
 Hold Closing Day.
 Till if your garden chooses to.

November
 Hold post-season review meeting.
 Additional Resources
NDSU Extension-local gardening information
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension
701-231-8944

America the Beautiful-free seeds

http://america-the-beautiful.org

American Community Garden Association

http://www.communitygarden.org

Garden Works- Twin Cities community gardens

http://www.gardenworksmn.org