Community Gardens

 
Photo by: Lisa Rayner, Flagstaff Community Garden Organizer

 
Don't have any space to create your garden? Community gardens are a perfect way to get your garden under way.

I visited one of our local community gardens the other day and there wasn't much activity just yet. Of course, our average "last frost" date is June 15 and marks the official start of our growing season. Our university graduation, in mid-May, and Memorial Day weekend invariably produce a good freeze or some sleety snow activity. Indoor seed starting and nurturing is the primary activity for these weeks. Still, it is the time to locate your local community garden and score a plot or even a portion of a shared plot.

There are definite advantages to community gardening. For one, connecting with your local community of gardeners and sharing resources and knowledge is worth whatever monthly fee you might be required to pay. Especially for first time gardeners, this is the place to learn about your local climate, soil, and crops that grow best. Sharing of resources is also an advantage as garden tools can be expensive and then there's the storage issue. Community gardeners will share recipes and have events during the season as well.

Our community has five community gardens, with three having public plots. Most have a waiting list and are on private land. Plots range by location but generally are 3' by 40-45' in one and 4' by 20' in another for a monthly fee of $20 - $30. The fee includes tools, water, raised beds, and the soil that is already present. Organic and sustainable practices are used in all the garden sites. The City of Flagstaff is taking steps this year to formalize the Flagstaff Community Garden Network and provide city land to add more community gardens with more permanence than the currently privately held ones.

What's happening in your community regarding community gardens? Google it up and let us know. I think more and more cities will be participating in the roots efforts of local community garden networks. Check with your city to see what their plans are and advocate for city land usage for these projects that directly benefit the citizens both nutritionally and economically, and the environment. 
 

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