Choosing the site

Some things to consider when you are helping us find a site...

Identify the owner of the land.

Make sure the site gets at least 6 full hours of sunlight daily (for vegetables).

Do a soil test in the fall for nutrients & heavy metals.

Consider availability of water.

Try and get a lease or agreement which allows the space to be used at least for 3 years.

Consider past uses of the land. Is there any contamination?

Is insurance something you need to consider?

Also once we get the above lined up...

Clean the site.

Develop your design.

Gather your resources--try to gather free materials.

Organize volunteer work crews.

Plan your work day.

Decide on plot sizes, mark plots clearly with gardener's names.

Include plans for a storage area for tools and other equipment, as well as a compost area.

Have a rainproof bulletin board for announcing garden events and messages.

Arrange for land preparation--plowing, etc--or let gardeners do their own prep.

Will the garden be organic?

Lay out garden to place flower or shrub beds around the visible perimeter. This helps to promote good will with non-gardening neighbors, passersby, and municipal authorities.